India tipped to win ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Former England captain Eoin Morgan and ex-Australia all-rounder Shane Watson have expressed their views on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with both players picking India as the favorites to win the tournament. Morgan and Watson spoke to the media before the tournament, which kicked off on Wednesday with a clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi.
India’s dominance a major concern for opponents
Morgan, who led England to their maiden ODI World Cup title in 2019, praised India’s recent form, citing their unbeaten run in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home and their victories in the T20 World Cups in the Caribbean and the United States. "The side that’s the frontrunner, best positioned across the squads, I would say in India, out and out favorites, I can’t really pick any holes in their side. And I know that’s been the case the last couple of tournaments they’ve gone into," Morgan said.
Morgan highlighted India’s dominant run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they went unbeaten to the final, and their victories in the T20 World Cup. "Then the T20 World Cup, where they robbed the trophy from the hands of South Africans. And you have to still believe that winning trophies and tasting champagne brings confidence because once you’ve been there, you can believe that you can do it again. So that’s why India is the favorite," he added.
Pakistan and England outsider chances
Morgan, while picking India as his top favorite, also highlighted Pakistan as a dark horse in the tournament, with home conditions favoring the team. "I’ll never rule Pakistan out of it. Home conditions will favor them, and I would say England is an outside chance as well. They’ve been in not in great form for a period of time, and Brendon McCullum has just taken over, and in a short space of time, it’s hard to achieve anything," Morgan said.
Australia’s struggles
Watson, on the other hand, expressed confidence in Australia’s chances, citing their strong batting lineup. "I’m very confident about the Aussies, their batting is very, very strong. Their bowling, there’s going to be a few question marks around that. But they certainly know how to be able to turn up in big tournaments. So, don’t be surprised if Australia aren’t there and thereabouts," Watson added.
Australia, however, has been plagued by injuries, with four key players – Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc – out of action, while Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from international cricket. Australia also lost 0-2 to Sri Lanka in the ODI series preceding the Champions Trophy.
Group stage matches
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 features eight teams, divided into two groups of four teams each. India is in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Australia and England are in Group B along with Afghanistan and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.
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