Champions Trophy 2025: Team India’s BIG depth makes other teams envious | Opinion

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The Men In Blue have helped themselves to a kind of unofficial holiday in Dubai, ensuring a semi-final slot in the Champions Trophy 2025. Images of Rohit Sharma in some trouble, courtesy a hamstring flare-up, Mohammed Shami not a 100 per cent fit for bowling but fit for fishing and Rishabh Pant back at nets, amplifies the depth and talent the Indian team has.

If one follows the chatter in media and social media, many nations have complained India got an unfair advantage by playing in Dubai. Yes, till now the two matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan has been a breeze.

It is expected, New Zealand on Sunday (March 2) in Dubai will be different. For all those saying India got an unfair advantage, it was well-known, the favourites would be playing only in Dubai.

Perhaps, the best decision made by the Indian government was saying no travel to Pakistan. Pakistan is in trouble in every way. They are clueless how their own people are getting killed and incidents of violence have increased sharply back home. That India is in a position of power to say 'no' to Pakistan makes sense.

For a team like New Zealand, which hurt India by winning a Test series last year on spinning tracks, they are one of the most efficient sides. What stands out with the Kiwis is they play simple cricket minus fanfare. There is no hype culture on superstars and for them winning is a habit.

People talk of India versus Pakistan rivalry but how many would even know trans-Tasman rivalry between Australia and New Zealand has been no less. India playing the Black Caps, as the Kiwis are known, on Sunday should be exciting. Nobody will play thinking it is an inconsequential match. For New Zealand, the conditions in Dubai will be different. And they will, yet, adapt to it fast.

As for India, to keep the winning momentum is intact. On Friday, KL Rahul spoke to the media. He explained a few things on adaptability, how his own position in the batting order is flexible.

As one who has been picked ahead of Rishabh Pant as No.1 wicket-keeper batter for the Champions Trophy 2025, the rivalry between him and Pant is pronounced. It is not a new thing.

If you track the IPL trajectories as well, Pant and Rahul have been like shadows. KL Rahul left Lucknow Super Giants on his own and has moved to Delhi Capitals. Pant is now the Lucknow Nawab, bought at a massive price as well at the IPL auction.

If anyone thinks Pant is taking this quietly, not getting to play against Bangladesh and Pakistan, then you are wrong. He is an extremely competitive cricketer, someone who wants to go out in the middle and perform.

If there are injuries, Pant will get in for the match against New Zealand. Give him any role, just batting and ask him to move to the top, he will accept the challenge. Yes, KL Rahul as wicket-keeper is fine touch.

Many former greats from England and Australia have said the kind of depth Indian cricket has in white-ball cricket is so rich, they can put out two teams with the same balance. Hopefully, the 11 India chose to play New Zealand will be the best one where those untested till now will also get a chance.