Shikhar Dhawan Tags India As Favourites To Win Champions Trophy 2025

For the Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has picked his favourite to win the cup. He named Rohit Sharma and men as top contenders to win Champions Trophy 2025, however, he added that it is not going to be an easy task. The absence of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to injury is a major concern for the team. Dhawan, who was pivotal in India's 2013 victory, emphasises that Bumrah's unavailability will be felt deeply.

"I can't look past India. I am quite confident about them-they have a solid team and played very well against England in their recent ODI series. But my concern is that they are going to miss Jasprit Bumrah. There's no doubt he will be a huge loss, and they will feel it very strongly," Dhawan is quoted as saying by ICC.

India's Batting Strength

Dhawan highlights India's strong batting lineup as a key advantage. He praises the blend of experience and youth, with Shubman Gill standing out for his consistency. Dhawan expects Gill to shine in the tournament. He also mentions Rohit Sharma's return to form and Virat Kohli's presence as crucial elements for India's success.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Bumrah's absence last week, citing his ongoing recovery from a lower back injury sustained during a lengthy tour of Australia in January. Harshit Rana has been named as Bumrah's replacement for the tournament.

Harshit Rana's Potential Impact

"Harshit Rana's inclusion is exciting - keep an eye on him, he could have a breakout tournament. I like his attitude; he's a go-getter who isn't afraid of challenges. We saw in the England series that he is in good form. If he seizes this opportunity, he could provide a real x-factor for India," Dhawan noted.

Dhawan recalls India's performance in the previous Champions Trophy where they reached the final but fell short. He remains optimistic about their chances this year, given their impressive cricketing skills and knowledge of their capabilities.

"For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character, which is crucial in a big ICC event like this," he stated.