From Shikhar Dhawan to Kevin Pietersen: Top Legends Predict Champions Trophy 2025 Winner; Check Which Team Comes Out on Top

Shikhar Dhawan Confident of India Winning ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Shikhar Dhawan Backs India for the Title: Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has expressed confidence in India’s chances of winning the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The two-time champions, led by Rohit Sharma, will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by matches against Pakistan (February 23) and New Zealand (March 2).
• Dhawan’s confidence: “I can’t look past India. I am quite confident,” Dhawan said, reflecting on India’s strong squad and potential to lift the title, following their recent success in ODIs.
• Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence a Concern: While Dhawan remains optimistic about India’s prospects, he highlighted the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah due to injury as a significant blow for the team. “The obvious concern is that they will miss Jasprit Bumrah. There is no doubt he will be a big absence, and I think they will feel it very strongly,” Dhawan added.
• Predictions from Other Cricketers: Several other former cricketers also shared their thoughts on the upcoming tournament:
  • Kevin Pietersen predicted the semi-finalists to be Pakistan, India, England, and Australia, as he spoke on Star Sports.
  • Suresh Raina also weighed in with his thoughts on India’s chances, emphasizing their potential to go all the way.
• Nasser Hussain Picks India as the Team to Beat: Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes Australia is lacking firepower without their key pacers—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. “Without these key players, Australia has lost a lot of strength, and India is now the team to beat,” Hussain stated on Sky Sports. He noted that India’s familiarity with the conditions in Dubai and their depth make them the top contenders despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
• India’s Strong Position: Despite Bumrah’s injury, experts agree that India’s squad, which will be playing all their matches in Dubai, is one of the strongest in the tournament. With a solid lineup and home advantage, India is widely regarded as one of the favorites to win the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

As India prepares for their opener against Bangladesh, Dhawan and other experts are confident that the Men in Blue have what it takes to lift the Champions Trophy once again.