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Indian captain Rohit Sharma has sent a strong message ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy with a spectacular return to form in the ODI series against England. His century in the second ODI at Cuttack not only helped India secure a series win but also reinforced his status as one of the world’s best ODI batsmen. Experts and former cricketers believe that Rohit’s resurgence could be the key to India’s success in the upcoming tournament, starting on February 20 in Dubai and Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma’s match-winning knock of 119 off 90 balls against England came at a crucial time, ending a string of low scores and silencing critics ahead of the Champions Trophy. His innings, filled with exquisite timing and calculated aggression, featured 12 fours and seven sixes. It was his 32nd ODI century, making him the third-highest century-maker for India in the format.
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All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was among the first to acknowledge the importance of Rohit’s century, calling it a “good thing” for India ahead of the high-stakes tournament. “He is such a big player, and sometimes, it’s just a matter of one good innings. The way he batted, it didn’t look like he was struggling before. If any batter scores a hundred before such a big tournament, it’s great for both the player and the team,” Jadeja said.
Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin also expressed his delight at Rohit’s return to form, emphasizing that his performance could define India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy. “I am happy he is back in form. If he continues playing like this in the Champions Trophy, India will be successful. He is a key player for the team,” Azharuddin remarked.
While Rohit’s form in Test cricket had been underwhelming, his dominance in ODIs has been unquestionable. Since 2023, he has amassed 1,533 runs in 32 ODIs at an average of 52.86, with three centuries and 11 fifties. His ability to balance aggression with consistency makes him a crucial factor in India’s batting lineup.
Former cricketer Atul Wassan went a step further, boldly predicting that Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, will be instrumental in bringing home the Champions Trophy. “I have always said that Rohit and Virat are going to win us the Champions Trophy. He has silenced his doubters with this knock, and I am sure he will continue delivering when it matters the most,” Wassan stated.
While Kohli’s form remains a talking point, Wassan isn’t worried. “He is saving up his runs for when India needs them,” he added, showing confidence in both stalwarts to rise to the occasion.
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that Rohit and Kohli have an opportunity to prove their match-winning abilities once again. “Expectations are high, and when they don’t score, criticism follows. But the Champions Trophy is the perfect stage for them to show why they are still match-winners for India,” Harbhajan said.
India’s familiarity with Dubai’s pitches could also work in their favor. “The team that adapts better to the conditions will have the advantage. India has played a lot in Dubai, and I believe we are stronger than Pakistan,” he added.
India will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. Their final group-stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2.
The India Squad for Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- February 20 – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
- February 23 – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- March 2 – India vs New Zealand, Dubai