The Champions Trophy is imminent, and the competition is intensifying as eight teams prepare to compete in this esteemed 50-over tournament to establish their dominance. This tournament will consist of 15 matches and will take place in both Pakistan and Dubai. Australia, having emerged victorious in the most recent ICC 50-over event—the 2023 ODI World Cup—enters the tournament as the favourite, given the consistent performance exhibited by Pat Cummins and his team in ICC events over the past few years. Nevertheless, the triumph of Rohit Sharma and his team in the 2024 T20 World Cup has positioned them as formidable contenders, as they seek to build on their recent success and add further accolades to their collection.

In a recent promotional advertisement for the Champions Trophy, Australia’s captain Cummins made pointed remarks about players from rival teams. He notably referenced Virat Kohli's strike rate in a humorous manner, stating:

"Oi Ben, I am not stoked about you."

"Hey Pope, you better start praying."

"Hey Kohli, I have never seen you bat this slowly."

"More like Quinton de Block. I am Pat Cummins for you. Get mean," Cummins quipped in the advertisement.

India and Australia favourites for Champions Trophy 2025

India and Australia are the only nations to have claimed the Champions Trophy on two occasions. India achieved this feat in 2013 and shared the title with Sri Lanka in 2002 due to a rain-affected final, while Australia secured consecutive victories in 2006 and 2009.

Additionally, Pakistan, as the host nation, will participate in the tournament as the reigning champion, having triumphed over India in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy.

This upcoming ICC event is particularly significant for Kohli, who has been under scrutiny for his performance across formats last year. India is set to face England in a three-match ODI series, commencing in Nagpur on Thursday. The series will continue in Cuttack on Sunday and conclude on February 12 in Ahmedabad.

The major ICC tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, with India playing its matches in the UAE under a hybrid model.

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