India captain Rohit Sharma has emphasised a step-by-step approach for his side ahead of their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh on February 20, stating that the team aims to take things “one game at a time” as they set their sights on the coveted ICC title.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Dubai, Sharma acknowledged the significance of the tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus and highlighted the need for calculated progress.
“Every ICC title is important, and this one is no different. You come here thinking about winning the trophy, but our goal is to win one game at a time and keep moving forward,” Sharma said on the eve of India’s clash with Bangladesh.
Hybrid model tournament
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be played in a hybrid format, with all of India’s matches, as well as one semi-final, scheduled to take place in Dubai.
The remaining fixtures, including the final—unless India qualifies—will be held in Pakistan across venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. If India makes it to the summit clash, the final will also be shifted to the UAE.
India, the runners-up of the last edition held in 2017, will face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, followed by their final group-stage encounter against New Zealand on March 2.
Squad selection debate
Addressing concerns over India's squad composition, particularly the inclusion of five spin-bowling options, Sharma dismissed criticism and defended the team’s selection strategy.
“They are two spinners and three all-rounders. I am not looking at them as five spinners. Those three guys can bat and can bowl as well. Other teams also have fast-bowling all-rounders, and no one questions why they have six pacers,” Sharma said.
India’s 15-member squad for the tournament includes spin options in Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, while the pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Arshdeep Singh.
Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel and an unnamed national selector had questioned the decision to carry multiple spinners, given Dubai’s pace-friendly conditions. However, Sharma reiterated that the team management prioritized all-round ability in their selection.
“We work on our strengths and build our team around them. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar give us a different dimension and a lot of depth,” Sharma explained.
Preparations for Dubai conditions
Sharma brushed aside statistical concerns regarding Dubai’s pitch behavior, emphasizing that India’s recent performances, including their 3-0 ODI series victory over England, provided valuable preparation.
“We play every tournament with the same mindset, whether it is an ICC event or a bilateral series. Playing for India means a lot to us, and we are confident in the quality, depth, and experience of our squad,” he said.
India’s recent series against England saw Shubman Gill emerge as the top performer with 259 runs in three matches, while Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Sharma himself also contributed significantly with the bat. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout performer with the ball.
As India aims to carry forward momentum from their World Cup 2023 campaign, Sharma stressed the importance of adaptability.
“Every series is a different challenge, and every venue presents its own conditions. Dubai will be a fresh test, and quickly assessing what’s required will be key for us,” he concluded.
