“We will need a couple of series to figure out who is well suited to bat at No. 4, because it’s an important position,” Pujara said.

Since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, Kohli has batted at No. 4 in 99 of India’s 115 Tests, with Ajinkya Rahane being the next most frequent occupant of the position with nine appearances. In Kohli’s absence during the England series in early 2024, India used KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal at No. 4.

Shubman Gill is among the candidates for the position, although Pujara stated that Gill has primarily batted in the top order in his 32 Tests. Gill has performed well in the top three, but it remains uncertain whether he would be equally effective at No. 4.

India’s upcoming five-match Test series in England will be important in determining the best player for the role, as performances in English conditions will be a key factor in the decision.

Also Read : RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Recovering from Finger Injury

A Historic Achievement for Team India

India secured their third Champions Trophy title on March 9, 2025, in Dubai, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a closely contested final. This win marks India’s second ICC trophy in 2025, following their triumph in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Massive Prize Money for the Champions

Apart from BCCI’s ₹58 crore reward, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had already announced a cash prize of $2.24 million (approx. ₹18.6 crore) for the Champions Trophy 2025 winners.

• Total ICC Prize Pool: $6.9 million (a 53% increase from the 2017 edition)
• Runner-up (New Zealand): $1.12 million
• Semi-finalists (South Africa & Australia): $560,000 each
• All participating teams: Minimum $125,000
• Each match win (excluding semi-finals & finals) added $34,000 per game

India’s Unstoppable ICC Streak

India’s recent ICC tournament record is one of the most dominant in cricket history. Over the last three ICC white-ball tournaments, India has won 23 out of 24 completed matches. Their only defeat came in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.

What’s Next for Indian Cricket?

With Rohit Sharma leading the charge, India continues to set new benchmarks in world cricket. However, sustaining this level of dominance will require strategic planning and player management.

Also Read : Sanju Samson Rejoins Rajasthan Royals Squad After Finger Surgery

“That was an easy catch, I should have taken that,” Rohit admitted at the post-match presentation. “I’ve set high standards for myself in the slips, and missing that was disappointing. But these things happen. The way our bowlers performed set up the game for us.”

Axar had Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim dismissed on consecutive deliveries and nearly completed a hat-trick when Jaker Ali edged his first ball—only for Rohit to drop the chance. Axar finished with 2 for 43, while Jaker capitalized on the lifeline to score 68, forming a crucial century partnership with Towhid Hridoy.

To make amends, Rohit joked that he would take Axar out for dinner. Axar, however, took the setback in stride, saying, “I was ready to celebrate, but then I saw it didn’t happen. These things are part of the game.”

Also Read : Marcus Stoinis Shocks Australian Camp with Sudden ODI Retirement Amid Injury Concerns

Shami’s Early Strikes Put India on Top

Bangladesh, having opted to bat first, struggled from the outset as Shami’s disciplined bowling tore through their lineup. He finished with figures of 5 for 53, reaching a historic milestone as the fastest bowler to claim 200 ODI wickets in terms of balls bowled. His fiery opening spell reduced Bangladesh to 35 for 5 before a counterattack from Towhid Hridoy (100) and Jaker Ali (68) helped them reach a respectable 228.

Axar Patel also played a key role, taking two wickets in quick succession and nearly securing a hat-trick—denied only by Rohit Sharma’s dropped catch. Bangladesh, aided by some reprieves, managed to post a fighting total but fell short of the ideal target on a sluggish pitch.

Gill Anchors India’s Chase

India started aggressively, with Rohit Sharma (41 off 36) and Gill stitching a 69-run opening stand. However, Bangladesh’s spinners soon applied pressure, leading to a middle-order slowdown. Virat Kohli (19), Shreyas Iyer (15), and Axar Patel (9) fell cheaply as India’s scoring rate dipped.

Gill, however, adjusted to the conditions, curbing his aggressive instincts to build a steady innings. His 101* off 129 balls was India’s slowest ODI century in six years, but it ensured a comfortable chase. KL Rahul (41*) provided solid support, sealing the win with a six with 21 balls to spare.

Key Takeaways

• Shami’s brilliance: His sixth ODI five-for reaffirmed his class, especially after returning from injuries.
• Gill’s resilience: He adapted to the tricky pitch and stayed till the end to guide India home.
• Missed opportunities: Bangladesh’s dropped chances and slow start cost them a stronger total.

India, now second in Group A with two points, will look to build momentum in their next match, while Bangladesh will need to regroup to stay in contention.

Also Read : ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Top Contenders and Title Favorites

Three years after his retirement from international cricket, MS Dhoni still continues to be hot property (if not the hottest) in the Indian Premier League. And why wouldn’t he be? In three IPL editions since his international retirement, Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings to two titles – the IPL 2023 victory being the record-equalling fifth title. What’s more? While batting largely at No.7 or 8 this year, Dhoni has scored at a strike rate of 181 – his best ever. Yes, he did not bat enough balls or score a heap of runs, but whenever he came in to bat, he made an impact. Isn’t that what a finisher’s role is?

After Dhoni’s superb run for CSK in IPL 2023, which was believed to be his last in the tournament, the legendary cricketer announced that he would try to come back next year, just for the fans. With the kind of form and fitness he has shown, despite battling a knee injury throughout the tournament, no one would complain if he does lead CSK again in the next IPL. But does this mean, Dhoni retired a bit too early from international cricket? Could he have given at least another year to Team India?

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels Dhoni perhaps could have played for India for some more time but he took the right decision to call it quits in August 2020. Mind you, Dhoni’s last match for India was in the 2019 ODI World Cup. He announced his retirement a year after keeping everyone guessing.

Also Read: Josh Hazlewood ruled out, replacement in squad for World Test Championship final named

“He could have still played for India if he wanted to, considering his performances. But, he retired at the right time and that’s why Dhoni is Dhoni,” Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda. The legendary Pakistan pacer also felt that Dhoni will be back next year. “I think he’ll come back stronger next year.”

When asked why he thinks so, he elaborated: “He has the experience, calmness and is physically very fit. Most importantly, he has the passion to play. No matter how fit you are, if you don’t have the passion, you will not be able to come up with performances.”

“He is physically fit and did not sit out of any matches [in IPL 2023]. After a certain age, making a comeback is difficult. But, knowing Dhoni, if that passion is still there, he will train. Match practice is very important, but I am sure he knows what he is doing.”

‘Dhoni can take any team to the final and win’: Wasim Akram

Also Read: People talk about Sachin but…: Sehwag ignores Dravid, picks Pakistan legend as ‘Asia’s biggest middle-order batter’

The former Pakistan skipper hailed Dhoni as a “gem of a cricketer”. “He is a gem of a cricketer, a gem of a captain. To win five IPLs with one team is a massive deal. It is such a big tournament. There are 10 teams and you have to play 14 matches each to qualify [for the playoffs]. They started slowly, but you give Dhoni any team, he takes them to the final and makes them win it.

“CSK, five titles is dream stuff. They have become a legendary team and that too in one of the biggest and most difficult tournaments in world cricket.

“Whenever Dhoni quits cricket, I am sure he will stay with CSK as a mentor, a president or whatever the word is. I don’t think Dhoni and CSK will separate,” Akram added.