India captain Rohit Sharma has stressed a step-by-step approach for his team ahead of their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh on February 20. He reaffirmed that the team will take things “one game at a time” as they aim for the prestigious ICC title.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Dubai, Sharma acknowledged the significance of the tournament’s return after an eight-year gap and underlined the importance of calculated progress.
“Every ICC title is important, and this one is no different. You come here thinking about winning the trophy, but our goal is to win one game at a time and keep moving forward,” Sharma said on the eve of India’s match against Bangladesh.
Hybrid Model Tournament
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in a hybrid format, with all of India’s matches and one semi-final scheduled in Dubai.
The remaining fixtures, including the final—unless India qualifies—will take place in Pakistan across venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, if India reaches the final, the match will also be shifted to the UAE.
India, runners-up in the last edition held in 2017, will face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, followed by their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2.
Squad Selection Debate
Addressing concerns over India’s squad composition, particularly the inclusion of five spin-bowling options, Sharma dismissed the criticism and defended the team’s selection strategy.
“They are two spinners and three all-rounders. I am not looking at them as five spinners. Those three guys can bat and bowl as well. Other teams also have fast-bowling all-rounders, and no one questions why they have six pacers,” Sharma explained.
India’s 15-member squad includes spin options such as Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, while the pace attack is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Arshdeep Singh.
Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel and an unnamed national selector had questioned the decision to carry multiple spinners, considering Dubai’s pace-friendly conditions. However, Sharma reiterated that team management prioritized all-round ability in selection.
“We work on our strengths and build our team around them. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar give us a different dimension and a lot of depth,” Sharma stated.
Preparations for Dubai Conditions
Sharma brushed aside concerns regarding Dubai’s pitch behavior, stating that India’s recent performances, including their 3-0 ODI series victory over England, served as excellent preparation.
“We approach every tournament with the same mindset, whether it is an ICC event or a bilateral series. Playing for India means a lot to us, and we are confident in the quality, depth, and experience of our squad,” he said.
In India’s recent series against England, Shubman Gill emerged as the top performer with 259 runs in three matches, while Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Sharma himself also made significant contributions with the bat. Ravindra Jadeja stood out with the ball.
As India looks to carry forward momentum from their World Cup 2023 campaign, Sharma highlighted the importance of adaptability.
“Every series is a different challenge, and every venue presents its own conditions. Dubai will be a fresh test, and quickly assessing what’s required will be key for us,” he concluded.
