Rohit, Kohli In Top Order And...? India's Biggest Strengths In Champions Trophy 2025

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Jan 20 2025, 12:00 PM

Rohit, Kohli have been absolute champions of ODI cricket [Source: @IShoCricket24X7/X]Rohit, Kohli have been absolute champions of ODI cricket [Source: @IShoCricket24X7/X]

Recently, India announced their 15-member provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Led by Virat Kohli, India played the final of the tournament's previous edition, which Pakistan won by defeating them comprehensively in a one-sided affair. However, eight years later, the leadership baton has passed to Rohit Sharma, with India aiming to clinch the coveted trophy for the first time since 2013. 

As the BCCI has already unveiled the squad for the marquee event, let's analyse and find out India's biggest strengths heading to the competition. 

Formidable And Established Batting Order

Batter
Innings
Runs
Average/SR
Rohit Sharma43192249.28/113.59
Shubman Gill45231260.84/102.48
Virat Kohli50229751.04/94.87
Shreyas Iyer47194547.43/100.36
KL Rahul47196253.02/90.91
Hardik Pandya2381240.60/104.77

(Performance of India's top six in ODIs since 2020)

  • Led by Rohit Sharma, India have a robust top six comprising Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. 
  • While Rohit and Gill have struck the most ODI runs as an opening pair since 2020, Kohli, Iyer and Rahul have extraordinary numbers with the bat. With Rohit playing the aggressor's role, Gill and Kohli can anchor the innings as the top order. Meanwhile, Iyer and Rahul can switch gears at will, with Pandya providing India with fitting finishes at number six. 

Plethora Of Multi-Dimensional Players

  • While Hardik Pandya will be India's primary fast bowling all-rounder, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have been picked as the spin-bowling all-rounders. 
  • These multi-dimensional players have vast experience in international cricket and can contribute to the team's success with bat and ball. Their presence ensures India can field multiple bowling options, which they might need on the placid subcontinental decks. 

Variety In Spin Bowling Department

  • India's formidable spin bowling department is one of their biggest strengths in Champions Trophy. The experienced Ravindra Jadeja, who bagged 16 wickets in eleven matches in the ODI World Cup, will spearhead the spin department with Kuldeep Yadav, who has the most ODI wickets for India since 2020. 
  • India are also blessed with Axar Patel's left-arm spin and Washington Sundar's right-arm off-break. So, the Men in Blue have ensured quality as well as variety in their spin department, which can run riot on Dubai's spin-friendly conditions, especially during the latter half of the competition.