3 Areas India Need To Work On Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025

Akshita Patel

3 Areas India Need To Work On Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: @KohliSensation/X.com]3 Areas India Need To Work On Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: @KohliSensation/X.com]

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The 2025 Champions Trophy will begin on February 19. Team India, meanwhile, played a 3-game ODI series with England to get some practice of the ODI format.However, trouble is mounting for India. While they won the series against England, a few glaring misses in the squad will likely hurt them in the tournament.

It's important to note that India will be playing their league games in Dubai after the Champions Trophy was adjusted into a hybrid model. And, India’s record in UAE conditions, especially in ICC tournaments is unsatisfactory. 

On that note, here are 3 key areas the men in blue must improve to perform better in Champions Trophy 2025.

1. Fast bowling

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami [Source: AFP]Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami [Source: AFP]

India’s pace attack is paralysed ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Jasprit Bumrah, the backbone of the team's bowling unit, is injured with a back spasm and is yet to be declared fit for the tournament. The belief is that he will be ruled out in the coming days since the pacer hasn’t been seen training yet.

Without Jasprit, the team was supposed to rely on Mohammad Shami. However, his performance in the ODI series against England was subpar as he looked out of touch following a long injury haul. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh are the only pace options left with the men in blue as Siraj is not a part of the 15-member squad.

While Rana’s debut was noteworthy, he must keep working on his economy. Moreover, Arshdeep hasn’t had much practice in the ODI format lately and must rely on net practice to be ready for the tournament.

2. Form of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli [Source: @BCCI]Virat Kohli [Source: @BCCI]

Virat Kohli is a man of crisis for team India in ICC tournaments. However, his form has been a glaring issue for the team for the past year. 

He hasn’t scored many runs in the Test format lately and in the 2nd ODI against England, he was sent back on just 5 runs. Kohli, India’s reliable no.3 batter, has been a saviour for the team in high-pressure situations. 

They need him to fire and score big in the middle order. Hence, improving the form of Kohli should be the men in blue’s top priority ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

3. Wicket-keeping

KL Rahul [Source: @BCCI]KL Rahul [Source: @BCCI]

The wicket-keeping position has become a significant puzzle for India. They have KL Rahul who hasn’t scored many runs in the ODI format. In the first 2 ODIs against England, he failed to put in a decent score coming at no.6. 

The other option is Rishabh Pant whose average in ODI is 33.50. Hence, the team management must make the right choice with an ideal wicket-keeper. Pant’s inclusion might help with the left-right combination. However, he must improve his form to stake a claim to feature in the playing XI.