Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed his full support for India captain Rohit Sharma, confidently backing him to replicate his phenomenal 2019 World Cup performances in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This endorsement comes at a time when Rohit's recent form has been under scrutiny. He was notably forced to drop himself from the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, which led to widespread speculation about his place in the Indian Test team. Several cricket experts have even questioned whether it's time for Rohit to retire from the longer format of the game.
Despite this period of uncertainty, Raina remains steadfast in his belief that Rohit Sharma is more than capable of redeeming himself and shining once again in a major tournament. The 2019 World Cup remains a standout achievement in Rohit's career, where he was the highest run-scorer of the tournament, amassing 648 runs from nine innings at an average of 81, which included an unprecedented five centuries. Raina recalled that when Rohit was not selected for the 2011 World Cup squad, it left him devastated, but he responded by playing a pivotal role in India’s victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Raina pointed out that the Dubai conditions for the 2025 Champions Trophy will be different from those in England, where India won the 2013 Champions Trophy. But he emphasized that Rohit has the ability to adjust to any situation. "He knows how to handle that situation," Raina added. He is confident that if Rohit can bat for a substantial period, between 20 and 25 overs, there is every chance he could replicate his record-breaking 2019 World Cup run, adding another stellar chapter to his already illustrious career.
Since his impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he played a crucial role in giving India explosive starts, Rohit has continued to maintain solid form. Following the World Cup, he played three ODIs against Sri Lanka, where he scored 157 runs across three innings at an average of 52.33. Even though India lost the series 0-2, Rohit emerged as the highest run-scorer, further proving his importance to the team. His 2023 World Cup campaign itself was a major highlight, as he finished as the second-highest run-scorer, with 597 runs from 11 innings at an average of 54.27, featuring one century and three fifties.
Beyond the World Cup, Rohit’s overall 2023 in ODIs has been exceptional, accumulating 1255 runs from 26 innings at an average of 52.29. His impressive strike rate of 117.07 highlighted his ability to dominate the opposition, and his two centuries and nine fifties emphasized his consistency and adaptability across various match situations. Rohit has proven to be a linchpin of India’s batting line-up, and as the Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, he will be keen to build on this form.
The upcoming Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 20, 2025, with India’s opening match against Bangladesh in Dubai. Rohit’s performance in the tournament could prove crucial, both in terms of his personal redemption and in leading India to success on the global stage. For Rohit, who has long been regarded as one of the best openers in limited-overs cricket, the 2025 Champions Trophy presents an opportunity to demonstrate once again why he is such an invaluable asset to the Indian team. Should he manage to continue his strong form, the tournament could serve as the perfect stage for him to further cement his place as one of the greats of modern-day cricket.
With the pressure of captaincy and his recent form, Rohit will undoubtedly feel the weight of expectations, but his track record in big tournaments speaks for itself. His ability to rise to the occasion is one of the reasons why he is trusted to lead India in such important events. For Raina, the 2025 Champions Trophy could mark a turning point in Rohit’s career, where he could reassert himself as a dominant force in world cricket, proving that the true champions know how to bounce back, no matter the challenges they face.
In the context of India’s broader goals in the Champions Trophy, much will be expected from Rohit, not just in terms of his batting, but also in leading the team strategically. His experience, leadership, and composure under pressure will be vital in ensuring that India performs to its potential. As the Champions Trophy looms closer, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the India captain, hoping to see him deliver yet another stellar performance and continue to build on his remarkable legacy.
