Suresh Raina retired from international cricket in 2020. India enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the tournament’s favorites, having showcased remarkable dominance in white-ball cricket. The Men in Blue reached the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and went on to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Placed in Group B, India will start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. They will then face arch-rivals Pakistan and New Zealand on February 23 and March 2, respectively, at the same venue.
Reflecting on his career, former Indian batter Suresh Raina has shared a tactical masterstroke that contributed to India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
Suresh Raina reveals what helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy 2013:
Speaking on The Suresh Raina Experience: Champions Trophy Special, Raina described Rohit Sharma’s promotion to the opening slot as a “masterstroke,” which played a pivotal role in India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
Raina said, “It was a masterstroke. Look at the way they batted—they focused on timing instead of forcing shots. They attacked only when the delivery warranted it. Rohit, technically sound, wore the ball down before accelerating, while Shikhar took on the bowlers with his aggressive style.”
Raina further explained that Dhawan’s natural aggression complemented Rohit’s ability to find boundaries effortlessly. He also highlighted how the duo consistently formed big partnerships.
“Left-right combinations always trouble bowlers, and Shikhar was aggressive in his own way. Rohit could hit a six whenever he wanted,” Raina said. “Their partnerships were seamless. A 100-run stand would quickly turn into 150. They had a great understanding and trusted each other’s calls, which made all the difference.”
Dhawan ended the tournament as the top run-scorer with 363 runs in five innings, while Rohit’s limited-overs career saw a significant transformation after the tournament.
India will look to replicate their 2013 success in the upcoming Champions Trophy.