Former player Sourav Ganguly is backing India to perform well in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue will take on Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Group A. The selectors recently announced the 15-member team, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma getting the preference. The two are under the scanner for their failures in Australia.
Ganguly refused to accept that Kohli’s form is a concern before the ICC tournament. “Virat Kohli is once in a lifetime cricketer like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. He is probably the best white-ball cricketer the world has seen. I was surprised with the way he performed after scoring a hundred in Perth. I was expecting a big series for him, but it didn’t happen.
“Every player has strengths and weaknesses, but the important thing is how you adapt to those weaknesses as you play over the years. There is a lot of cricket left in Virat Kohli, but the Test series against England will be a big challenge for him. I am not worried about his form going into the Champions Trophy. As I said, he is the greatest white-ball cricketer. He will score runs in the Champions Trophy, as the tournament will be played in Indian conditions.
“India are one of the contenders for the Champions Trophy considering the performances in the 2023 ODI World and the 2024 T20 World Cup,” Sourav Ganguly told RevSportz.
The legendary cricketer also heaped massive praise on India captain Rohit.
“Rohit Sharma is phenomenal in white-ball cricket and you will see a different Rohit Sharma once the Champions Trophy starts,” he added.
Ganguly expressed happiness on Mohammed Shami’s return to international cricket.
“I am happy to see Mohammed Shami, as he is the second best after Jasprit Bumrah. I am looking forward to seeing him playing red-ball cricket as he is as good as anyone. Bumrah and Shami bowling from two ends is different from Bumrah bowling from one end.
“Shami is important for Bumrah and Bumrah is important for Shami. I hope Shami remains fit and he is looking strong. He will be a bit nervous as he will be playing international cricket after a long time,” he concluded.