Team India : As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Pakistan and the UAE, all eyes are on Team India, whose matches—including potential knockouts—are slated for Dubai. With a stellar record in the city and high-stakes clashes ahead, here’s an in-depth look at why India could dominate the tournament and rewrite history in Dubai.
Team India’s affinity for Dubai’s cricketing arenas is no secret. In ODIs played at the Dubai International Stadium, India boasts 5 wins in 6 matches, including two emphatic victories against arch-rivals Pakistan. Their dominance here is rooted in tactical brilliance and adaptability:
: India’s highest ODI total in Dubai is 285 runs, showcasing their ability to set formidable targets.
: Their most dominant chase against Pakistan underscores their composure under pressure.
: India has never lost an ODI to Pakistan in Dubai, making it a psychological stronghold.
This track record positions Dubai as a favorable venue for Rohit Sharma’s men, especially with the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash likely to unfold here under the hybrid model.
Led by skipper Rohit Sharma, India’s 15-member squad blends veterans and rising stars:
: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul.
: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar.
: Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul.
: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
:
: A lower-back injury ruled out the pace spearhead, with Harshit Rana replacing him.
: The young opener made way for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, a controversial but strategic move to bolster the spin attack.
The BCCI’s insistence on the hybrid model—moving India’s matches to Dubai—stems from geopolitical tensions and a desire for neutral venues. Dubai’s credentials as a cricketing hub are unmatched:
: State-of-the-art facilities ensure seamless tournament execution.
: Eliminates home-ground bias, leveling the playing field.
: Proximity to India ensures massive crowd support, replicating a home-game atmosphere.
If India reaches the final, Dubai’s status as the backup venue (replacing Lahore) could further tilt conditions in their favor.
While historical data suggests Dubai’s pitches favor pacers (463 wickets vs spinners’ 320 in ODIs), India’s squad leans heavily on spin:
: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy.
: Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
: India anticipates slow, turning tracks akin to subcontinental conditions.
: Historically, Pakistan’s batters struggle against quality spin, a vulnerability India aims to exploit.
:
: His ability to swing the ball early and reverse it late makes him lethal in Dubai’s dry heat.
: The left-armer’s pinpoint yorkers could be pivotal in tight finishes.
All eyes are on Virat Kohli, who is set to become India’s most-capped player in Champions Trophy history. His stats in the tournament are staggering:
: 529 runs at an average of 88.16, including five fifties.
: Despite India’s loss in the final, Kohli averaged 129 that edition.
A century in Dubai would cement his legacy as India’s chase master and silence critics questioning his T20 future.
Newly appointed coach Gautam Gambhir brings aggressive intent to the dressing room. His strategies include:
: Deploying Rishabh Pant as a floater (No. 3-5) to disrupt opposition plans.
: Using wrist-spin duo Kuldeep and Chakravarthy in middle overs to strangle run flow.
: Leveraging Shami’s swing to strike early blows.
Gambhir’s mantra: “Attack first, think later.”
: vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
: vs Pakistan (Dubai)
: vs Qualifier (Dubai)
: Semi-Final (Dubai/Lahore)
: Final (Dubai if India qualifies)
A strong start against Bangladesh is critical to build momentum for the Pakistan clash.
: Why is Dubai considered India’s “second home”?
A: India has won 83% of their ODIs here, including dominant chases against Pakistan. The city’s flat tracks suit their batting-heavy lineup.
: Can India cope without Jasprit Bumrah?
A: Bumrah’s absence is a blow, but Shami’s experience and Harshit Rana’s raw pace (145+ kph) offer hope.
: Why was Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped for Varun Chakravarthy?
A: To strengthen spin options against Pakistan and Bangladesh, who struggle against mystery spin.
: How crucial is Virat Kohli’s form?
A: Kohli’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate makes him the linchpin. His 88+ Champions Trophy average is a game-changer.
: Will Dubai’s pitch favor India’s spinners?
A: While pacers historically dominate, dew-free evening games could assist spinners in the second innings.
Team India’s last ICC trophy was the 2013 Champions Trophy. A decade later, Dubai’s familiar turf offers redemption. With a mix of statistical dominance, tactical tweaks, and Kohli’s hunger, this could finally be their year. But cricket’s unpredictability looms large—especially against a resurgent Pakistan. One thing’s certain: Dubai’s desert nights are set to witness fireworks.