India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in his team’s adaptability as they prepare for their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai. Speaking ahead of the match, Sharma assured that India has the resources to handle varying playing conditions, whether it be overcast skies, dew, or pitch movement.
“If it’s going to be overcast, we have the bowling arsenal to combat that. If there are overhead conditions helping the bowlers, we have the bowlers to exploit that. And if we bat in those overhead conditions, the batters know exactly what to do,” Sharma stated.
India’s squad boasts depth, particularly with all-rounders like Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, who provide balance to the playing XI. With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury, these players will be crucial in filling the void.
Rohit also highlighted the importance of wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has an impressive List A record with 60 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 14.80. “He has got something different, which is why he is here with us. He has been impressive in the last eight to nine months,” Sharma said, acknowledging the mystery spinner’s potential impact.
Another key player in India’s campaign will be Mohammad Shami, who recently returned to international cricket following an ankle injury. Though he bowled only 15.5 overs in two ODIs against England, picking up a wicket in each, Sharma emphasized that the focus was on his rhythm rather than immediate wicket-taking returns. “With a bowler like Shami, it’s just about getting back into rhythm. Hopefully, he can find that early in the tournament,” he added.
India, having played nine T20Is in Dubai since 2021 but no ODIs since 2018, will look to adjust quickly as they take on Bangladesh in their opening match.
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