With back-to-back wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan, Rohit Sharma’s India looks poised to claim this year’s ICC ODI Championship. The team’s resurgence is largely credited to the return to form of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, it is not just the duo leading the charge—Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have contributed with the bat, while Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav have delivered with the ball. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja add further depth, making India a formidable contender.
India has already secured a semifinal spot in the tournament and will now face New Zealand on March 2 in their final league encounter. This match presents an opportunity for Rohit’s men to avenge their past defeats against the Kiwis and solidify their standing at the top of Group A.
Meanwhile, Group B remains wide open, with South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan tied at one win each. Afghanistan’s fate hinges on its crucial clash against Australia on February 28. South Africa, having beaten Afghanistan but sharing points with Australia due to an abandoned match, must defeat England on March 1 to bolster its semifinal bid. Australia, which beat England by five wickets, must overcome Afghanistan to keep its qualification hopes alive.
While Group B remains a battleground, India stands comfortably atop Group A with two wins. A victory against New Zealand would further assert its dominance, while a loss may still see them finish second in the group standings.
India’s decision to opt out of playing in Pakistan due to security concerns appears to be justified after a shocking breach during a recent match. New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who had scored a century in Rawalpindi, was attacked by an intruder carrying a terror group banner. The security lapse raises serious concerns about player safety in Pakistan, vindicating India’s apprehensions.
This is not the first time international teams have faced security threats in Pakistan. The 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team remains fresh in memory. The ICC, under new President Jay Shah, acknowledged India’s concerns and decided to shift all of India’s matches to a neutral venue in Dubai.
Now, the onus is on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ensure the remainder of Group B matches proceed without incident. If security remains a concern, other cricketing nations may follow India’s lead in avoiding travel to Pakistan, which could severely impact the PCB’s ability to host future international events.
With the tournament approaching its climax, India appears well on course for a title run. Kohli’s resurgence was on full display in his century against Pakistan, further bolstering India’s confidence. If India defeats New Zealand, they will enter the semifinals as the group toppers, ready to take on any opponent—be it Australia, South Africa, or Afghanistan.
The road to the title is now just two matches away, and team manager Devraj, also the Secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, has a chance to etch his name in history. If India lifts the Champions Trophy, Devraj would become only the second Hyderabadi, after PR Mansingh in 1983, to manage an Indian team to a global triumph.
For now, all eyes are on India’s final league clash and the unfolding drama in Group B. One thing is clear—Rohit Sharma’s men are playing with the confidence of champions, and barring any surprises, they could be on the verge of reclaiming ICC silverware.
