NEW DELHI: Former India bowler Praveen Kumar is confident that captain Rohit Sharma will add another ICC trophy to his impressive cabinet on March 9 in Dubai. Rohit captained India to 2024 T20 World Cup triumph by defeating South Africa in the final in Barbados, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy — his first as captain. Praveen, who has shared the dressing room with Rohit for India and at Mumbai Indians, is optimistic that the 37-year-old opening batter will lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 this time around.
India have already secured their place in the semifinals and will face New Zealand, who have also qualified, in the final group stage match of the tournament on Sunday. The outcome of this match will decide the semifinal match-ups.
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“I am sure Rohit will lead India to a title win. He will have another ICC trophy soon,” Praveen told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
“Bas yahi bolunga, Virat aur Rohit jaate jaate ek aur ICC trophy de do yaar [Virat and Rohit, give us one more ICC trophy before you retire],” Praveen said.
India began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, followed by another six-wicket win against arch-rivals Pakistan.
In the opening match, Shubman Gill scored a century and Mohammed Shami took five wickets to secure the win over Bangladesh.
Then, Virat Kohli delivered a brilliant century, steering India to a comprehensive triumph over Pakistan.
Praveen credited the team’s success and unity to captain Rohit, affectionately calling him “yaaron ka yaar.”
“The team is doing really well. Whether it’s batting, fielding, or bowling, India is dominating in every aspect. The best part is that every member of this team is a match winner. I would give all the credit to Rohit Sharma. He is a ‘yaaron ka yaar’. He is a true team man,” Praveen said.
“Virat is playing really well. He is a big match player. There were questions about him playing and getting dismissed to off-stump deliveries. Is that still an issue? No. Because a player like him doesn’t need many matches to make a comeback or get into the groove. He only needs one good innings, and he is never out of form,” he said.
“You can never say that players like Rohit and Virat are out of form. They have given Indian cricket so much,” Praveen added.
WHO WILL TEAM INDIA FACE IN SEMI-FINAL?
From Group B, comprising South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England, the Proteas and Aussies have advanced to the semifinals.
In Group A, India and New Zealand have secured semifinal spots, but their final group match on Sunday will determine the semifinal matchups. With both teams tied on four points, New Zealand currently lead on superior net run rate (NRR). The winner on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium will finish atop Group A.
If India defeat New Zealand, they will top the group and face Australia in the semifinal on Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Stadium, while New Zealand would then take on South Africa at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5.
If India lose to New Zealand, the Rohit-led side will meet South Africa on Tuesday at the Dubai International Stadium. New Zealand will then face Australia on Wednesday in Lahore.
Should India reach the final, the title clash will be played in Dubai on March 9.
