Team India will kick off their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Placed in Group A, they will compete alongside the Bangla Tigers, arch-rivals Pakistan, and New Zealand.
India last reached the Champions Trophy final in 2017 but suffered a heavy 180-run defeat to Pakistan at The Oval. Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable 338 in their 50 overs, powered by a brilliant century from Fakhar Zaman. In response, India struggled against Mohammad Amir’s fiery opening spell, collapsing to 33/3 early on.
Despite Hardik Pandya’s valiant effort with the bat, the Men in Blue were bowled out for just 158 runs. Eight years later, Rohit Sharma and his team will be among the favorites to clinch the title, boasting an impressive record, including two Champions Trophy triumphs.
Let’s take a look at India’s top five run-scorers in Champions Trophy history:
#1 Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain struggled with form until the second ODI against England in Cuttack, where he roared back with a brilliant century. Rohit Sharma will aim to build on this momentum heading into the marquee tournament.
Interestingly, Rohit has a solid record in the Champions Trophy, amassing 481 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 53.44 and a strike rate of 82.50. The right-hander has registered four half-centuries and one hundred, making him the fifth-highest run-scorer for India in the tournament’s history.
#2 Virat Kohli
The former Indian captain is widely regarded as one of the finest ODI batters of this generation. Virat Kohli signaled his return to form just in time for the Champions Trophy with a classy half-century in the third ODI against England in Ahmedabad.
Kohli ranks as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the history of the prestigious tournament. The Delhi-born batter has accumulated 529 runs in 12 innings at an outstanding average of 88.16 and a strike rate exceeding 90, with his highest score being an unbeaten 96.
#3 Rahul Dravid
The former Team India head coach was renowned for his ability to anchor an innings and steer his team out of trouble with composed yet effective knocks. Rahul Dravid’s resilience made him a crucial asset in pressure situations.
Dravid played a significant role in the Champions Trophy, accumulating 627 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 48.23 and a strike rate close to 75. With six half-centuries to his name, he stands as India’s third-highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history.
#4 Sourav Ganguly
The former Indian captain was an integral part of the iconic batting lineup that featured legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and VVS Laxman. Sourav Ganguly forged a formidable opening partnership with Tendulkar, and his elegant cover drives were a delight to watch.
Ganguly boasts an impressive record in the Champions Trophy, ranking as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. The left-hander has accumulated 665 runs in 11 innings at a stellar average of 73.88 and a strike rate of 83.22. His tally includes three centuries and three half-centuries.
#5 Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan and ICC tournaments have always been a perfect match. The stylish southpaw consistently delivered standout performances on the big stage, earning him the top spot on this list.
The Delhi-born opener has amassed 701 runs in 10 innings at an exceptional average of 77.88 and a striking rate close to 102. His impressive record includes three centuries and three half-centuries. Having recently retired from international cricket, Dhawan is now actively participating in leagues featuring former cricketers.
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