Champions Trophy 2025: Kaif feels India will only win in Dubai if Kohli and Rohit do well

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the Men in Blue will only do well in the 2025 Champions Trophy if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma perform consistently with the bat. 

Pakistan are the official hosts of the 50-over event, starting on February 19, but India will play all its games in Dubai. The average first-innings score in the last 10 ODIs in Dubai is only 190, with the batters operating at an average of 23.4.

Kohli and Rohit have retired from T20Is, and their recent numbers in red-ball cricket have been terrible, but the two senior men have enjoyed batting in the 50-over format. 

In ODIs since 2023, Kohli has scored 1435 runs at an average of 65.23, while Rohit is averaging 52.3 and striking at 119.4. 

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli holding the tricolor, that picture is etched in my mind. They looked determined after losing the ODI World Cup final and went on to win the T20 World Cup,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel. 

“You need them for the Champions Trophy. One is 37 years old, another is 36. They won't play much longer. Give them your blessings because they are great players who still have much to offer.

"Rohit provides the start by batting faster, and Kohli builds on that foundation, batting till the end. If they play well, only then you can win matches in Dubai."

Comparing the conditions in Dubai to the venues in Pakistan where runs will be scored for fun, Kaif said: "Batting is tough in Dubai. India must adapt well to win matches there.

"In Pakistan, the average first-innings score is nearly 300, and the flat conditions favour batters like Klaasen, de Kock, and Markram. Teams need strong bowling to succeed there."

India will commence their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.