As the countdown to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy draws closer, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed his high hopes for India’s prospects in the tournament. With the event set to return after more than seven years, Pathan is confident that the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, has a strong chance of lifting the coveted title once again.
India’s "Settled" White-Ball Team
Irfan Pathan is particularly optimistic about the Indian team’s prospects due to the stability and experience of the squad. According to Pathan, India's white-ball team is "settled," meaning the players are well-defined in their roles and have gained enough experience to perform under pressure.
"I think Team India can definitely win the Champions Trophy because if you look at the white-ball team, it is pretty much settled," Pathan said in a recent video posted by Star Sports on X. This assurance stems from the consistency the team has shown in recent years, especially after their successful campaign in the T20 World Cup in Barbados.
Rising Stars and Fresh Talent
One of the key factors that could tip the balance in India’s favor in 2025 is the infusion of fresh talent into the team. Irfan Pathan mentioned young players, such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, who could add depth to the squad, making it even more formidable.
"There are a couple of young gun players, that can be added as well. One of them is Nitish Kumar Reddy. That will only make the team stronger," Pathan added. The inclusion of emerging stars is expected to provide additional options and strengthen both the batting and bowling departments.
Crucial Role of Bowling
While India's batting line-up has been one of its strongest suits, Pathan emphasized that the bowling attack will be crucial to India's success in the Champions Trophy. With a balanced mix of pace and spin options, India's bowling will need to rise to the occasion in the pressure cooker of a major ICC event.
"Bowling will be very crucial," said Pathan, highlighting the importance of India’s bowlers in a tournament of this stature.
The Stage is Set
The 2025 Champions Trophy will be an eight-team event, consisting of 15 matches played in the 50-over format. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Dubai, with the matches spread across three venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Each venue will host three group-stage matches, with Lahore set to stage the second semi-final.
India’s first major encounter will be against their arch-rivals Pakistan, a fixture that always captures the imagination of fans worldwide. The India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 23, 2025, in Dubai, and it is already one of the most highly anticipated games of the tournament.
Looking Ahead
India enters this tournament with the painful memory of their loss in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they were defeated by Pakistan in a one-sided encounter. However, with the team in a better shape now and a mix of experience and young talent, there is palpable optimism that India can go the distance this time.
With just a month left until the start of the tournament, Irfan Pathan’s optimism reflects the mood around the Indian cricket team. The hopes are indeed high, and many fans believe that 2025 could be the year India adds another ICC trophy to its storied history.
As the countdown continues, the eyes of the cricketing world will be on India, eagerly awaiting the chance to see if they can claim the Champions Trophy and make their mark once again on the global stage.
Melian Kerr 
