ICC Champions Trophy 2025: How important is Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's form for India?

After their dominant 4-1 T20I series win against England, India now shifts its focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series against the same opposition. This series serves as an important stepping stone for India as they prepare for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be a key part of their white-ball calendar. With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, this ODI series will allow India to fine-tune their strategies and solidify their squad before they head into the global tournament. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina shared his thoughts on the series and India’s preparation for the Champions Trophy.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to play a big role for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

According to Raina, this ODI series against England will be a great opportunity for India to test their plans and get a sense of their form ahead of the marquee event. Raina also discussed how the team has grown under Rohit Sharma's leadership, especially after their successful T20 World Cup campaign in June 2024. For India, the challenge now is to carry forward their winning momentum and transition smoothly from T20 cricket to 50-over format. As India gears up for the Champions Trophy, this ODI series will be an essential part of their journey, providing valuable insights into the team’s performance and readiness for the big event.

"I think Rohit should play aggressively. You saw how he batted in the ODI World Cup—he was attacking even in the final. So, I believe his approach will remain the same. The key question is who will open alongside him—will it be Shubman? I remember, whenever they play together, they maintain an aggressive intent," former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina said in a recent interview.

"Rohit Sharma is an attacking captain. The way he utilises his bowlers is commendable—bringing in Mohammad Shami at crucial moments and relying on spinners strategically. When Rohit scores runs, it also reflects in his captaincy. This could be his last ICC trophy as captain, and if he wins, he will become the first Indian player to win four ICC trophies. He has already won the T20 World Cup, and securing the Champions Trophy would be a remarkable achievement. He will be motivated to make it happen, but scoring runs will be crucial for him," he added.

Suresh Raina highlighted the importance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's form in India’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Raina noted that Rohit’s striking improvements since the 2023 ODI World Cup have been remarkable, with his strike rate consistently hovering around 119-120. This surge in his batting form has solidified his position as one of India's premier ODI players. He emphasized how crucial it is for India that both Rohit and Virat perform at their best, especially given their proven track records in the format.

Raina further explained that the confidence players like Rohit and Virat gain from their past successes plays a huge role in their current form. Both batsmen are seasoned players with the ability to score big runs, and their complementary skills make them a formidable opening pair. If both players continue their rich vein of form, their contributions will significantly bolster India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy. Raina believes that their performance in the ODI series against England will be vital for India to find the right balance and momentum heading into the prestigious tournament. For India to perform well in the Champions Trophy, the consistent runs from their stalwarts like Rohit and Virat will be a key factor in determining the team’s success.

Suresh Raina also spoke about Virat Kohli’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure in white-ball cricket. He pointed out that Virat has a remarkable knack for switching between gears, maintaining focus when needed, and knowing exactly when to elevate his game. Given his exceptional record against England, Raina believes that Virat’s energy and intensity will naturally be at a high level throughout the upcoming series. With his track record of success against the English team, it is expected that Kohli will bring a significant amount of confidence and motivation to the three ODIs.

Raina also highlighted the importance of the venues for the series, as all three matches will be played at high-scoring grounds in Nagpur, Ahmedabad, and Cuttack. These venues are known for producing flat pitches, which could provide ample opportunities for the batsmen to rack up runs. This makes the series even more exciting, as both India and England will look to capitalize on these conditions. With Virat Kohli’s consistency and the conducive nature of the pitches, the upcoming ODIs could play a pivotal role in setting the tone for India’s Champions Trophy 2025 preparations.