Indian team leaves for Champions Trophy, challenge for the giants
The Indian cricket team left for Dubai for the Champions Trophy amid increased hopes of winning another ICC trophy after winning the T20 World Cup in June 2024. India will start its campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.
Rohit Sharma, wearing a white T-shirt and black trackpants, got out of his car on Saturday (February 15) and walked towards his teammates in the departure lounge of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
During this, the fans present near the entry gate were seen raising loud slogans of 'Rohit Bhai' and 'Rohit Sir'.
Team left for Dubai for the Champions Trophy
Most of the members of the Indian team reached the airport in the team bus. These included head coach Gautam Gambhir, vice-captain Shubman Gill and star batsman Virat Kohli. Hardik Pandya reached the airport last. The players expressed their gratitude to some fans by giving autographs or waving their hands.
The fans gathered at the Mumbai airport would be hoping that the team wins another ICC trophy in the presence of Rohit and Kohli.
Confidence would have been boosted by the clean sweep against England
The Indian team left for Dubai for the Champions Trophy amid high hopes of winning another ICC trophy after winning the T20 World Cup in June 2025. Without Jasprit Bumrah, India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.
While the confidence of the fans and the Indian team would have been boosted by the recent clean sweep in the 3-0 ODI series against England on home soil.
One last chance for the veterans?
A few months ago, Hardik Pandya left for the open bus parade to the Wankhede Stadium carrying the T20 World Cup trophy on his shoulders amid a huge crowd of fans from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport itself. If this scene is repeated next month as well, then India will need runs from veterans like Rohit and Kohli, who have faced severe criticism after continuous failures in Test cricket.
Rohit and Kohli's performance in the England series
Meanwhile, Rohit scored a century of 119 runs in 90 balls in the Cuttack ODI against England and Kohli scored his 73rd half-century in Ahmedabad. This may have given them some relief for some time, but it is important for both of them to perform well in the Champions Trophy for their future in top level cricket.
Focus on Kohli and Rohit
With the next World Test Championship cycle starting from June and the emphasis on building a team for the 2027 50-over World Cup, the selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar will closely monitor the performance of both the veterans in Dubai.
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Kohli needs 37 runs to become the third batsman to score 14,000 runs in ODI history, while Rohit is just 12 runs away from becoming the 10th batsman to complete 11,000 runs. However, the focus of both will be on the trophy and not on achievements.
Opportunity for young players
Young player Shubman Gill was promoted as the vice-captain of the ODI team. The batsman, who has an average of around 61 in this format, would like to perform well in the Champions Trophy. This will further strengthen his position. Bumrah's absence due to injury is an opportunity for players like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, while Varun Chakraborty would like to prove himself as a mystery spinner.
The combined performance of all these factors will determine whether the Indian team will come out with a thumping victory in Mumbai next month or not.
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