Team India reached Dubai for Champions Trophy 2025, will play its first match on this day
Only a few days are left for the start of the Champions Trophy. The tournament will be held in Karachi from February 19. India will play all its matches in Dubai. India and Pakistan will clash on February 23.
Ankush Pandey
The Indian team reached Dubai on Saturday for the ICC Champions Trophy starting on February 19. India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013 under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Indian players and support staff boarded the bus and left for the hotel. Earlier, when Rohit Sharma, wearing a white T-shirt and black track, got out of his car in Mumbai to leave for Dubai, the fans waiting near the entrance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport drew his attention by loudly calling him Rohit Bhai and Rohit Sir. Most of the team members, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, vice-captain Shubman Gill and star batsman Virat Kohli, reached the airport in the team bus.
India will play its first match on 20th
The Indian team boarded an afternoon flight to Dubai for the upcoming Champions Trophy amid hopes of securing another global trophy after winning the T20 World Cup in June last year. The Indian team has gone to play in the Champions Trophy without star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah's injury prevented him from competing in the tournament. India will play its first match in the league stage against Bangladesh on February 20 while on February 23 it will face arch-rivals Pakistan.
India will play its last league match against New Zealand on March 2. The Rohit Sharma-led side recently won all three matches against England on their home soil which has boosted the confidence of the fans and the team. The supporters gathered at the Mumbai airport will be hoping that these giants under the leadership of Rohit and Kohli will achieve another victory as they did in the West Indies last year. If India has to repeat the story of the T20 World Cup in the Champions Trophy, then both its star batsmen Rohit and Kohli will have to perform well.
Also read: ICC approved hybrid Champions Trophy model, but Pakistan will not visit India in 2026.
India's updated squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja.
Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are non-traveling substitutes.
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Team India arrived in Dubai to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, with India's first match set for February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Champions Trophy is making a return after eight years, with Pakistan as the primary host. However, due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a hybrid model. This arrangement allows India to play all its matches in Dubai, ensuring the safety and comfort of the players.
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand are all in Group A. These are the dates of their group stage matches:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The team's arrival in Dubai was met with enthusiasm from fans and officials alike. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in the squad's preparation and readiness for the tournament. He stated, "Our team has been working hard, and we're eager to showcase our skills on this platform."
The squad comprises a blend of experienced players and young talents. Notable inclusions are Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, in a recent development, Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury. The team's bowling attack has been severely hampered by his absence. The person designated to take his place is Harshit Rana.
The match against Pakistan on February 23 is highly anticipated, given the historic rivalry between the two nations. Matches between India and Pakistan often draw massive viewership and are considered marquee events in international cricket. The decision to hold this match in Dubai aims to provide a neutral venue, ensuring a smooth and secure contest.
The team's management has emphasized the importance of acclimatizing to the conditions in Dubai. Practice sessions are scheduled to help players adjust to the pitch and weather conditions. Coach Gautam Gambhir highlighted the significance of these sessions, stating, "Understanding the playing conditions here is crucial. Our focus is on fine-tuning our strategies and ensuring that every player is in peak form."
The countdown has begun! ⏳
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2025
Only 5⃣ days away from #TeamIndia's opening clash of #ChampionsTrophy 2025 ???? pic.twitter.com/mYCnAI9vDq
Fans in Dubai are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see their favorite players in action. The stadium is expected to witness a large turnout, especially for the India-Pakistan clash. Local authorities have assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to handle the influx of spectators and ensure their safety.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling tournament, bringing together the top cricketing nations in a battle for supremacy. With India's matches being held in Dubai, fans in the region are in for a treat. As the tournament progresses, supporters worldwide will be keenly following the performances, hoping for memorable matches and outstanding displays of cricketing prowess.
In conclusion, Team India's arrival in Dubai marks the beginning of their campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a well-balanced squad and a series of crucial matches lined up, the team is poised to make a significant impact. As the excitement builds, fans and players alike are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
