Sunil Gavaskar has made a bold prediction regarding Virat Kohli’s potential resurgence and Team India’s chances of winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli, who has been struggling with form across all three formats since 2024, has faced mounting pressure due to inconsistent performances, including a disappointing comeback in ODIs where he managed only five runs against England. However, Gavaskar believes that the competitive nature of the Champions Trophy will reignite Kohli’s hunger for runs and that the star batter will rise to the occasion to silence his critics.
The former India captain recalled Kohli’s unforgettable celebration after India's triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he performed the Gangnam dance, a viral trend at the time. He speculated that if India clinches the title again in 2025, fans might witness another unique and memorable celebration from Kohli. "Kohli is a big-match player, and nothing will motivate him more than the opportunity to score runs and win the Champions Trophy for India. After the last Champions Trophy win in 2013, he celebrated with the Gangnam dance, which was the rage way back then. This time, if he helps India win, we could be in for another unique celebration from him," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.
Gavaskar, known for his astute cricketing analysis, also placed India among the top contenders for the prestigious ICC title. He praised the team's wealth of talent and lauded their strong camaraderie, which was evident at the recently held BCCI annual awards function. At the event, Indian players were seen celebrating each other’s achievements with great enthusiasm, which, according to Gavaskar, is a hallmark of a united and motivated team. "That’s why India, apart from the talent that they have, will start as firm favourites to win the ICC Champions Trophy once again. The spirit in the team is very good, as could be seen by the enthusiastic cheering of their teammates who won individual awards at the recent annual BCCI awards function. A team that is laughing with each other is a happy team that will invariably try and play for each other," he further wrote.
India has been placed in Group A of the Champions Trophy alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by the blockbuster clash against Pakistan on February 23. Given the political tensions between the two nations, India has opted not to travel to Pakistan, the designated hosts of the tournament. As a result, all of India’s matches will be held at a neutral venue in Dubai.
The tournament presents a significant opportunity for Kohli, who has been under immense scrutiny due to his recent dip in form. If he manages to find his rhythm and play match-winning knocks, it could mark a turning point in his career and reaffirm his status as one of the best batters of the modern era. At 36, Kohli still has the fitness and skill to make a difference, and a strong showing in the Champions Trophy could help him solidify his legacy further.
The Champions Trophy, known for its high-intensity clashes and unpredictable outcomes, will be a crucial test for India as they aim to end their ICC trophy drought. While the team has dominated bilateral series in recent years, they have fallen short in ICC knockout matches, something they will be keen to rectify. With Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and other seasoned players in the squad, India has the firepower to go all the way and reclaim the title they last won in 2013.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, all eyes will be on Kohli. Will he rediscover his form and deliver when it matters the most? Will India finally break their ICC trophy jinx? The answers will unfold in Dubai, where cricket’s biggest stars will battle for supremacy in one of the most prestigious limited-overs tournaments in the world.
