India is set to begin its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with an exciting clash against Bangladesh on Thursday, February 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Unlike other teams, India will play all of its matches in Dubai after opting out of traveling to Pakistan due to political tensions. This decision means the team will need to quickly adapt to the conditions in Dubai, which have historically favored teams chasing totals, as dew in the second innings makes it difficult to defend scores. However, India's record at this venue is formidable, having won five out of the six ODIs played here, with one match ending in a dramatic tie.
As India gears up for its opening match, the focus will be on how the team adjusts to the pitch and weather conditions. The stadium has a reputation for favoring teams batting second, with nearly 60% of ODIs won by chasing sides. The average first-innings score of around 226 suggests that setting a total will require careful strategy, especially under lights. The unpredictable presence of dew could further influence the match, making it crucial for teams to plan their approach accordingly. While it remains uncertain whether dew will play a major role, India has the experience and depth in its squad to handle any scenario.
Skipper Rohit Sharma, speaking ahead of the match, addressed concerns regarding playing conditions in Dubai. He acknowledged that dew remains an unknown factor, as its impact varies from game to game. He cited past experiences where significant dew was observed in pre-match practice sessions but was absent during actual games, making it difficult to rely on predictions. Rohit, however, emphasized that his team has the necessary arsenal to succeed under overcast conditions as well. He expressed confidence in both the bowlers’ ability to exploit swing and movement and the batters’ ability to adjust their technique accordingly.
The India captain also clarified that his approach to the toss and game strategy will be based on the specific opposition rather than general venue trends. While statistics indicate that teams chasing have enjoyed success in Dubai, he pointed out that these results are largely based on T20 matches rather than ODIs. He highlighted the importance of assessing the pitch on the day of the match and considering the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition before deciding whether to bat or bowl first. Rohit emphasized that India’s approach would be tailored to each game, rather than blindly following trends from past matches.
India enters the tournament in strong form, having secured an emphatic 3-0 ODI series victory over England in their recent home assignment. The squad boasts a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and young talents, with the likes of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill leading the batting lineup. The presence of all-rounders such as Hardik Pandya adds crucial depth to both the batting and bowling departments, providing India with much-needed flexibility in different match scenarios. The pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, is well-equipped to capitalize on any swing-friendly conditions, while the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav could play a vital role in restricting the opposition in the middle overs.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is in a transitional phase, with a blend of seasoned players and emerging stars in their ranks. The team’s pace battery has shown promise, and they will be eager to exploit any assistance from the Dubai pitch to challenge India’s formidable batting lineup. With experienced campaigners like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim guiding the younger players, Bangladesh will be determined to put up a strong fight against one of the tournament favorites.
India’s previous experience in Dubai will be a significant confidence booster. The last time they played at this venue was during the Asia Cup 2018, where they maintained an unbeaten record and emerged as champions. In that tournament, India successfully defended a total of 285 against Hong Kong despite a strong opening stand from their opponents. In their following matches, they comfortably chased targets against Pakistan and Bangladesh, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure. The only blip in their otherwise perfect campaign came in the match against Afghanistan, which ended in a dramatic tie under the leadership of MS Dhoni, who was captaining in place of Rohit Sharma.
Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, India will aim to continue its dominance in Dubai and build early momentum in the tournament. The decision at the toss will play a key role, but the team’s adaptability and experience in handling different match situations will be crucial. Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir will be keen on formulating the best strategy to tackle each opponent, ensuring that India remains well-positioned to progress deep into the competition.
With a solid squad, a wealth of experience, and a history of success at the venue, India enters the match against Bangladesh as strong favorite. However, they will be wary of any surprises, knowing that every game in a multi-nation tournament comes with its own challenges. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on India to see if they can replicate their past success and take another step toward lifting the coveted ICC Champions Trophy once again.
