As the countdown begins for the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the spotlight is once again on India’s seasoned stalwarts—The Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both played pivotal roles in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, and expectations are soaring for them to lead the charge once more. However, recent performances have raised concerns, making their form a key talking point leading into the tournament.
Rohit Sharma: Sticking to His Aggressive Template
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has embraced an ultra-attacking approach in recent times. While his aggressive intent has often set the tone for the team, it has also led to early collapses, leaving India in tricky situations. Despite these challenges, former Indian cricketer and now full-time cricket analyst Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Rohit won’t back down from his playing style.
“Observing Rohit’s fearless mindset in the last two ICC tournaments, it’s clear that he thrives under pressure. His ability to evolve with the game’s demands and spearhead the team’s momentum suggests he will persist with his dynamic batting approach,” — Ravichandran Ashwin, on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’
Virat Kohli: The Bridge Between Aggression and Stability?
With Rohit continuing his fearless batting at the top, Ashwin has placed the responsibility on Virat Kohli to act as a bridge between the top-order explosiveness and the lower-order finishing abilities. Kohli, known for his ability to anchor an innings, is expected to balance aggression with control, much like Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh did in T20Is.
Ashwin’s Expectations from Kohli:
- Adaptability: Kohli needs to adjust his role as per the game situation.
- Anchor & Accelerator: He should switch gears when required, ensuring momentum is sustained.
- Form Revival: If Kohli regains his touch, he can be India’s biggest asset.
“Kohli’s natural instincts as a batter should remain unchanged. If he rediscovers his rhythm, it will be a massive boost for India. ODIs require patience and precision, and he must align his approach with the 50-over format to make a lasting impact,” — Ashwin on Kohli’s role.
India’s Road to the Champions Trophy 2025
Before heading into the Champions Trophy, India’s ODI series against England will serve as a crucial testing ground. This series will help fine-tune the team’s strategy and provide clarity on player roles.
Key Takeaways Before the Tournament:
- Rohit Sharma will maintain his attacking approach.
- Virat Kohli must bridge the innings with stability.
- The England series will shape India’s playing strategy.
With India eyeing their third ICC Champions Trophy title, the balance between aggression and resilience will be key. If Kohli and Rohit can find their rhythm, India will have a rock-solid foundation heading into the tournament.
What are your thoughts on Ashwin’s strategy? Should Kohli take on the anchor role, or should he continue his natural aggressive playstyle? Drop your opinions in the comments!