Champions Trophy 2025: Eoin Morgan, Shane Watson Pick India as Favourites for Trophy, Name Pakistan as Dark Horse

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As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off, India has emerged as the team to beat, with former cricketers Eoin Morgan and Shane Watson backing Rohit Sharma’s men to go all the way.

Despite the absence of talismanic bowler Jasprit Bumrah, India’s squad is seen as the most balanced in the tournament, while Pakistan has been identified as the dark horse in home conditions.

Eoin Morgan Names India as 'Out and Out Favourites’ in Champions Trophy 2025

Speaking at the International Masters League’s Captain’s Day event, Eoin Morgan placed India at the top of the favourites list, citing their squad depth and recent success in ICC tournaments. The former England captain praised the side’s strength despite Bumrah’s absence.

“To do the runners and riders, the side that's the front-runner, best positioned across the squads, I would say India… out and out favourites,” Morgan said. “I can't really pick any holes in their side. That has been the case for the last couple of tournaments they’ve gone into. Winning trophies and tasting success brings confidence because once you've been there, you believe you can do it again.”

Morgan referenced India’s dominant run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they went unbeaten until the final, and their triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup as key indicators of their current dominance.

“Then the T20 World Cup where they robbed the trophy out of South Africans' hands. And you have to still believe that winning trophies and tasting champagne brings confidence because once you've been there, you can believe that you can do it again. So that's why India are the favourites.”

Shane Watson: Hardik Pandya’s Role is Crucial

Shane Watson agreed with Morgan, backing India as the strongest side, with Hardik Pandya’s return to the ODI squad adding further balance.

“When it comes to the favourites in this edition, it has to be India. You know, they've been bolstered by the presence of Hardik Pandya coming in as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Unfortunately, they don't have (Jasprit) Bumrah, but it's just about the identical squad to what they had at the last One-day World Cup where they dominated until the final,” Watson noted.

While Australia has been hit by injuries to key bowlers such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc, Watson still sees them as a dangerous outfit.

“I'm very confident about the Aussies, their batting is very, very strong. Their bowling, there's going to be a few question marks around that. But they certainly know how to be able to turn up in big tournaments. So, don't be surprised if Australia aren't there and thereabouts,” the former all-rounder added.

Pakistan: The Dark Horse of Champions Trophy 2025

Morgan believes Pakistan’s home advantage makes them a serious contender. While India are outright favourites, he warned against underestimating Pakistan in familiar conditions.

“As far as outsiders are concerned, I will never rule Pakistan out of it. Home conditions will favour them and I would say England are an outside chance as well. They've been in not in great form for a period of time and Brendon McCullum has just taken over and in a short space of time, it's hard to achieve anything.”

Pakistan will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage, having played most of their recent cricket in these conditions. Their squad includes a strong bowling attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, but their inconsistency remains a concern.

England vs Australia: The Key Clash

Morgan also pointed out that the England vs Australia fixture could shape the tournament for both teams.

“They have their first match with Australia on Saturday who are a side without a number of stars like Cummins and Marcus Stoinis was recently retired as well. So I'd imagine whoever among those two sides wins will be there. I think England could go on a bit of a ride, but I'm excited.”

The Champions Trophy began on Wednesday, February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi, while India will start their campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, February 20.