ICC Champions Trophy Tips - Men in Blue could be worthy finalists

By Sridhar Bhamidi

15 Feb 2025

Sridhar Bhamidi 15 Feb 2025

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The ICC Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan and Dubai from Feb 19 to Mar 9.
India won this tournament a joint-high two times
India will play all their matches in Dubai

Can India live up to the expectations in the Champions Trophy? (Getty Images)

ICC Champions Trophy Preview

Eight years after its last appearance, the ICC Champions Trophy makes a reappearance on the map of world cricket with the 9th edition about to start in a few days. Over the next few weeks, Pakistan and Dubai will host the top eight ranked men’s national teams.

ICC Champions Trophy Preview
Australia
New Zealand
India
ICC Champions Trophy FAQs

From February 19 to March 9, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa will battle for the title of a tournament that was lost in the annals. Teams are divided into two groups, with Group A comprising Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. In Group B, Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa battle it out to be among the top two in the group and qualify for the semi-finals.

As the Champions Trophy gets ready for a rebirth, we look forward to which sides are likely to be among the favourites.

Australia

The current World Champions and the joint-most successful champions at this tournament, Australia always start any ICC tournament as one of the favourites.

Their preparation has been laborious, though, as five key players became unavailable, including regular captain Pat Cummins. They still have one of the most dangerous batting units with the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell set to give them an edge.

That may have to be complemented by an inexperienced bowling unit where spinner Adam Zampa looms as the most reliable. The Sri Lankan tour didn’t go as planned, but Australia always makes it a point to lift their game in ICC tournaments.

Prediction: Semi-final.

New Zealand

Name one ICC men’s tournament where the Kiwis haven’t been underdogs! They perhaps thrive on that tag and get the best out of these situations.

Take a look at how they performed in the tri-series involving Pakistan and South Africa in the lead-up to this tournament. New Zealand have covered almost every base that you need in Asia—solid batters, aggressive middle-order, spinners who can deliver, and impeccable team spirit.

The only downside is the lack of a player who can be a tournament winner. They do compensate it through a combination of players who punch above their weight, but is that enough?

Prediction: Final

India

They were the best team in the 2023 ODI World Cup until losing to Australia in the final, and India will look to go the distance here. They have a slight advantage that they play all their matches in one venue—Dubai.

That hasn’t always worked to their advantage, but India will feel they have the tools to win this tournament. Losing ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah to an injury is a massive blow, but like they showed against England in a 3-0 series win at home, they can be formidable in these conditions.

Questions remain over the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but they are a side overflowing with talent. Having lost in the final of this tournament’s last edition to their archrivals, can India get it right this time?

Prediction: Final

ICC Champions Trophy FAQs

Where can I watch the ICC Champions Trophy live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the ICC Champions Trophy live stream.

What time does ICC Champions Trophy start?

This ICC Champions Trophy is being played in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9.

Verdict

It’s going to be an interesting tournament, as even one defeat in the group stage could knock a side out of semi-final contention. That said, the 50-over format is the closest to Tests and rewards skills more than the T20s. I am putting my money on India reaching the final.

India to reach final

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