Former cricketer rates India's chances of winning Pakistan-hosted ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has shared his thoughts on India's prospects for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, expressing confidence that the team has a strong chance of winning the prestigious tournament. Scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan from February to March 2025, the tournament will see India competing with a balanced squad of experienced players and young talents.

India’s recent success in ICC tournaments boosts their confidence, having won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June and reaching the final of the 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup. Dhawan believes the current form of Team India makes them a formidable contender for the Champions Trophy next year.

In an exclusive conversation with Times of India, Dhawan shared his optimistic outlook, attributing India’s success to the blend of senior players and fresh talent.

"We have a strong chance to win the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. We just won the T20 World Cup (2024)and reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The team is in excellent form and rhythm," Dhawan said.

He also praised the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, and the guidance of Rahul Dravid, the team's mentor.

“With Gautam (Gambhir) Bhai as coach, and under the guidance of Rahul (Dravid) Bhai, we’ve done really well. We have a great mix of seniors and youngsters, which is crucial," he said.

Dhawan, himself a veteran of ICC tournaments, has a remarkable record in ODIs, having scored 1238 runs in 20 innings at an impressive average of 65.15 and a strike rate of 98.25. His contributions have been instrumental in India's success on the world stage, including six centuries in ICC events.

India's record in ICC tournaments over the past few years has been exceptional, with consistent appearances in the knockout stages. Despite their long-awaited T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, ending a 13-year drought, the Men in Blue’s most recent loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia has only fueled their desire for more success on the global stage.

However, India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain due to security concerns over traveling to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that the decision to send the Indian team rests with the Indian government, which is yet to finalize its stance.

India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and security issues led to India’s withdrawal from the 2023 Asia Cup, which was instead played in a hybrid format, with Sri Lanka hosting India’s matches.