The 2013 Champions Trophy final between India and England remains etched in the memories of fans, with Dhoni’s inspired captaincy playing a pivotal role in India’s triumph. Ravichandran Ashwin, who was part of that victorious squad, recently shared an insightful anecdote about Dhoni’s remarkable leadership on JioHotstar’s ‘Unbeaten: Dhoni’s Dynamites.’

Ashwin recalled a key moment in the final when Dhoni provided him with a tactical suggestion that would prove decisive. The India captain instructed Ashwin to bowl from around the wicket to Jonathan Trott, anticipating that the English batsman would try to play on the leg side. Dhoni’s prediction came to fruition when Trott was stumped after attempting to flick a delivery that spun down the leg side. Ashwin expressed his disbelief at how Dhoni had foreseen the outcome, emphasizing the depth of his cricketing acumen.

The 2013 final, which had been shortened to a 20-over-per-side match due to rain, saw India post a modest 129/7, largely thanks to Virat Kohli’s quick-fire 43 runs. Despite a strong stand between Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara, it was Dhoni’s quick thinking and leadership that ensured India held on to their nerve. Ishant Sharma’s remarkable comeback in the final overs was another key moment that helped secure India’s victory at Edgbaston.

As India prepares for the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy, the impact of Dhoni’s leadership continues to resonate. With the tournament just around the corner, it is clear that the team will miss Dhoni’s influence in the dugout as they aim for another title.

The Impact of Domestic Cricket on Jadeja’s ODI Performance

After his success in the 2023 World Cup, Jadeja had not played any white-ball cricket until the ongoing series against England. While this break could have affected his rhythm, Jadeja opted to participate in domestic cricket, an experience that proved invaluable. “I bowled 30 overs in the Ranji match, which helped me retain my rhythm,” he explained after India’s victory in Cuttack. His extensive bowling in the domestic match ensured he was well-prepared for the international format.

Jadeja’s approach to bowling remains consistent, with his line and length in ODIs mirroring the discipline he maintains in Test cricket. This continuity allowed him to hit the ground running in the series, where his precision and ability to control the game stood out.

Key Performances in the ODI Series

Jadeja’s return has been nothing short of exceptional. In the first ODI in Nagpur, his tactical bowling stifled England’s progress. With just 26 runs conceded in 9 overs, Jadeja not only kept the opposition in check but also dismissed key players like Joe Root and Jacob Bethell. These wickets were crucial in limiting England’s scoring potential and ultimately contributed to India’s win.

In Cuttack, Jadeja continued his outstanding form, claiming important wickets again, including that of Ben Duckett, who had been in good form with a score of 65. Jadeja’s ability to get Root out for the fifth time in 11 innings further cemented his role as a match-winner in the ODI format.

Consistency and Contribution to India’s Success

Jadeja’s contributions have been pivotal to India’s dominance in the series, with his six wickets leading the chart. His economy rate of 3.21, the best in the series, highlights his consistency and ability to put pressure on the opposition’s batting line-up. In addition to his wickets, Jadeja’s ability to maintain a low economy rate is a significant factor in limiting the opposition’s scoring opportunities.

Looking Ahead: Jadeja’s Role in the Champions Trophy

Jadeja’s impressive return to the ODI format has come at the perfect time, with the Champions Trophy on the horizon. His all-round skills, particularly his bowling and ability to control the game, make him a key player for India in the upcoming tournament. Jadeja’s combination of experience, consistency, and match-winning ability will undoubtedly play a vital role in India’s pursuit of more success on the global stage

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For Rohit Sharma, the past few months had been uncharacteristically challenging. His struggles with the bat reached a tipping point earlier this year when he stepped down from the crucial fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, citing, “Bat chal nahi raha hai” (the bat isn’t working). Before Sunday’s match, his lean patch had stretched over 10 innings—nine in Tests and one in ODIs—raising questions about his future in international cricket.

However, any doubts about his form were emphatically put to rest in Cuttack. Rohit began cautiously but soon found his groove, unleashing his trademark strokes with precision and flair. A flick over mid-wicket for six off the bowling of Saqib Mahmood signaled the start of something special. From there, it was vintage Rohit, as he dismantled England’s bowling attack with effortless grace.

On a tricky black soil surface where the ball often skidded onto the bat, Rohit showcased his adaptability and class. He punished anything loose, sending Mahmood’s deliveries soaring over the cover boundary and long-off fence for two more maximums. Even a brief interruption caused by a glitching floodlight tower couldn’t derail his momentum. After a 30-minute delay, Rohit returned to the crease with the same intent, adding another six off Mark Wood in the eighth over.

Adil Rashid, introduced into the attack in the ninth over, bore the brunt of Rohit’s artistry. A deft sweep behind square and a crisp cut behind point brought him two boundaries, further accelerating India’s charge. By this stage, Rohit had raced to a 30-ball half-century , reviving memories of his stellar 2023 World Cup campaign . In that tournament, he amassed 597 runs in 11 innings at a staggering strike rate of 125.95 —a figure surpassed only by Glenn Maxwell among batters with 400 or more runs. For a deeper dive into Rohit’s World Cup exploits, check out this detailed analysis here .

While Rohit’s scoring rate dipped slightly post-PowerPlay, he remained proactive, constantly seeking opportunities to pierce the field. England’s attempts to curb his aggression by targeting his body only played into his hands. Short-pitched deliveries were dispatched with disdain, finding the ropes on either side and clearing the infield with ease.

The 40,000-strong crowd in Cuttack erupted in joy as Rohit neared his milestone. With a majestic six off Rashid in the latter stages of his innings, he brought up his 32nd ODI century —a tally second only to Virat Kohli (46 centuries ) and Sachin Tendulkar (49 centuries ) in the format. Rohit’s knock included seven towering sixes and set the tone for India’s commanding victory.

“I really enjoyed being out there, scoring some runs for the team,” Rohit said during the post-match presentation, walking off to a standing ovation from the ecstatic crowd. “I broke it down into pieces about how I wanted to bat.”

This innings wasn’t just about numbers; it was a statement of intent. In a candid interview earlier this year, Rohit had expressed his determination to continue contributing to the team despite his recent struggles. “There’s no guarantee that I won’t get the runs two or five months later,” he had remarked. True to his word, Rohit delivered when it mattered most, reigniting his form ahead of India’s Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai, set to begin in 10 days. For more details on India’s preparations for the Champions Trophy, click here .

With his ability to clear the ropes and dismantle attacks, Rohit has once again proven why he remains one of the most feared batters in white-ball cricket. For now, the ‘Hitman’ is back, and world cricket is on notice.

• Rohit Sharma’s 90-ball 119 : Included 7 sixes and guided India to a dominant position in the chase.
• World Cup Echoes : Rohit’s explosive batting mirrored his 2023 World Cup form , where he scored 597 runs at a strike rate of 125.95 .
• Milestone Alert : This was Rohit’s 32nd ODI century , placing him third on the all-time list behind Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.
• Preparation for Champions Trophy : With India’s first fixture in Dubai just 10 days away, Rohit’s return to form is perfectly timed.

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