As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, a closer look at the Indian cricket team reveals significant enhancements compared to the squad that participated in the 2017 edition.

Two critical areas where the 2025 squad shows marked improvement are the middle order and the bowling attack.

These enhancements not only reflect the evolution of Indian cricket but also position the team as a formidable contender for the title.

Strengthened Middle Order

In the 2017 Champions Trophy, India faced considerable challenges in the middle order.

The team struggled to find a consistent balance, often relying heavily on the top order to set a solid foundation.

This dependency became evident in crucial matches, where the middle order failed to deliver under pressure, leading to disappointing outcomes.

The absence of reliable middle-order batsmen meant that the team lacked the depth needed to recover from early wickets, which ultimately hindered their performance in the tournament.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Indian squad has made significant strides in this area.

The inclusion of players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Hardik Pandya has transformed the middle order into a powerhouse capable of both stabilizing innings and accelerating the scoring rate.

KL Rahul brings versatility and experience, having proven himself in various formats of the game.

His ability to adapt to different situations makes him a valuable asset in the middle order.

Rahul’s technique and temperament allow him to anchor innings while also being aggressive when required.

Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a dynamic batsman with a knack for playing impactful innings. His recent performances in international cricket have showcased his ability to handle pressure and score runs quickly, making him an ideal fit for the middle order.

Iyer’s presence adds depth and confidence to the batting lineup, ensuring that the team can recover from any early setbacks.

Hardik Pandya, known for his explosive batting, adds a unique dimension to the middle order.

His ability to score quick runs and finish games makes him a crucial player in tight situations.

Pandya’s all-round capabilities also provide the team with additional flexibility, allowing for strategic adjustments during matches.

The combination of these players not only strengthens the middle order but also enhances the overall batting depth of the team.

With a robust middle order, India is better equipped to handle challenging situations and chase down targets, making them a more formidable opponent in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Enhanced Bowling Attack

Another significant area of improvement for the Indian squad in 2025 is the bowling attack.

The 2017 team had a decent bowling lineup, but it lacked the depth and variety needed to consistently challenge top-order batsmen.

The reliance on a few key bowlers often left the team vulnerable, especially in high-pressure matches where the opposition could exploit any weaknesses.

In contrast, the 2025 squad boasts a formidable bowling lineup that includes three exceptional seamers: Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami. This trio brings a blend of speed, skill, and experience that is crucial for success in the Champions

Arshdeep Singh has quickly established himself as a rising star in Indian cricket.

His ability to swing the ball both ways, coupled with his control over line and length, makes him a challenging bowler to face.

Singh’s performances in recent domestic and international matches have demonstrated his potential to take crucial wickets at key moments.

Jasprit Bumrah is already a household name in the cricketing world, known for his unique bowling action and exceptional death-over skills.

Bumrah’s ability to bowl yorkers and maintain pressure on batsmen makes him an invaluable asset in any format.

His experience in high-stakes matches adds a layer of confidence to the bowling attack, ensuring that the team can rely on him in crucial situations.

Mohammed Shami brings a wealth of experience and skill to the squad.

His ability to generate pace and bounce, combined with his knack for taking early wickets, makes him a key player in the bowling lineup.

Shami’s performances in international cricket have consistently showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, making him a vital component of the team’s strategy.

The combination of these three seamers provides India with a well-rounded bowling attack capable of adapting to various conditions and opposition.

Their collective experience and skill set allow the team to execute different strategies, whether it’s taking early wickets or containing runs in the death overs.

This depth in bowling not only enhances India’s chances of success but also instills confidence in the batting lineup, knowing they have a strong bowling unit to back them up.

In Summary

As the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy approaches, India’s squad has demonstrated significant improvements compared to the 2017 team.

The strengthened middle order, featuring players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Hardik Pandya, provides the batting depth needed to handle pressure situations.

Additionally, the enhanced bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, jasprit bumrahand Mohammed Shami, offers a formidable challenge to opposing teams.

These advancements reflect the evolution of Indian cricket and position the team as a strong contender for the Champions Trophy.

With a well-rounded squad capable of excelling in both batting and bowling departments, India is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament, aiming for glory on the international stage.