Dhawan's Optimism Lifts Team India Ahead of Champions Trophy: Shubman Gill's Key Role Highlighted
2 months ago | 5 Views
Veteran India batter Shikhar Dhawan has rallied behind batting sensation Shubman Gill to play a big role for the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy 2025. Shubman will enter the marquee ICC event as the ICC's number 2 ranked batter. He was Player of the Series against England with back-to-back fifties in the first two ODIs and then a century in the final match. The 25-year-old has been elevated into the leadership group and was named Rohit Sharma's deputy for the mega ICC event.
He has been scoring consistently well for India for the past few years and seems like a tailor-made player for the 50-over format.
Dhawan, who played a key role in India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, asserted that Rohit Sharma and Co. have a balanced unit to go big in this year's tournament and called Shubman the player to watch out for.
"There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic for India. They have a very balanced side, especially with the bat – there is a nice blend of experience and youth. Shubman Gill, in particular, is so consistent and he has a big role to play. I think he will have a great tournament. Rohit Sharma has found form, Virat Kohli is there; they are a top side and will take some stopping," Dhawan told ICC.
‘Even though we had Rohit or Kohli, I used to tell myself…’
Dhawan ranks among the most accomplished batters in the history of the tournament, having amassed 701 runs across 10 innings, yielding an impressive average of 77.88. He recorded three centuries during the tournament, with his highest score being 125 against Sri Lanka in 2017.
The seasoned batter reflected on the 2013 Champions Trophy victory, where he made a remarkable entrance onto the international stage by scoring a century in the opening match against South Africa.
"Securing victory in 2013 was a significant milestone, one of the highlights of my career. I achieved a century in the inaugural game against South Africa, which was a tremendous relief as it marked my return to ODI cricket. I had been performing well in the Test team, and that success facilitated my reintegration into the ODI squad. I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, yet I was also very confident. Despite the presence of players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, I consistently reminded myself that I was the best batter in the world," he remarked.
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