Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has highlighted the indispensable role of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ensuring India’s success in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With Dubai’s challenging pitches requiring a strategic batting approach, Kaif stressed the importance of the duo’s experience and adaptability.
Rohit and Kohli: Pillars of India’s Batting Line-Up
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India’s top scorers in the 2023 ODI World Cup, remain central to the team’s plans despite being in their late 30s. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif recalled iconic moments from their careers and emphasized their complementary styles.
“Rohit and Virat are still key to winning big matches. Rohit sets the pace with aggressive starts, while Kohli anchors the innings till the end. If they perform well, India can conquer Dubai’s tough conditions,” Kaif remarked.
Challenging Conditions in Dubai for ICC Champions Trophy
Kaif shed light on the batting difficulties in Dubai, where the average first-innings score in the last 10 ODIs is a mere 198. Contrasting this with Pakistan’s batting-friendly pitches, where scores often exceed 300, Kaif explained that adapting to Dubai’s slower surfaces will be critical for India.
“Batting in Dubai is no easy task. The conditions demand a balanced approach, blending patience and aggression. India needs to adapt well if they want to win,” he said.
India’s Champions Trophy Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The Indian squad, led by skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill, features a mix of seasoned players like Virat Kohli and rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kaif underscored the importance of relying on stalwarts like Rohit and Kohli, given their wealth of experience in handling high-pressure games.
India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Batters: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
- Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
Adapting to Dubai’s Conditions: Key to Victory
India’s performance in the Champions Trophy will hinge on their ability to adapt to Dubai’s challenging wickets and unpredictable conditions. Kaif highlighted how the team’s strategy in Dubai should differ from their approach in Pakistan, where flat pitches favor big-hitting batters.
Why Rohit and Kohli Are Irreplaceable
Kaif concluded with a heartfelt appeal to fans, urging them to support Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they near the twilight of their illustrious careers. “These legends still have plenty to offer. Let’s back them for one more major campaign,” he said.
By leveraging the experience of players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and focusing on tactical adaptability, India is well-positioned to shine in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.