Champions Trophy 2025: Netizens predict India to win after spotting surprising similarities with 2013 edition

Indian Team faces challenges since T20 World Cup 2024 win

Indian team has had a tough time since winning the T20 World Cup 2024 win in June last year. They dealt the biggest blow, losing the Test series against New Zealand at home by a 3-0 margin before losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The team is now in United Arab Emirates and will hope to come good in Champions Trophy 2025. They will commence their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

India’s 2013 Champions Trophy journey draws parallels

But India have trudged the same path in 2013, when they ended up bagging the Champions Trophy title. For instance, after winning the 2011 ODI World Cup, India lost a Test series at home to England and also lost Border-Gavaskar Trophy before winning the Champions Trophy in 2013. The netizens are drawing parallels of the events from 2011-12 and 2024-25, hoping that the similarities will potentially end in another ICC title for the team.

Also Read: Throwback: When India bowled 100 overs to share Champions Trophy title with Sri Lanka

Indian team is much more relaxed: Ashwin

The most sought after game in the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be played on February 23 in Dubai as arch-rivals India and Pakistan will lock horns. Ahead of the game, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that more than India, Pakistan will be under pressure ahead of the mega clash.

Ashwin on India vs Pakistan pressure situation

“At present, whenever India and Pakistan play against each other, the Indian team is not under that much pressure as compared to what Pakistan team experiences. The Indian team is much more relaxed when there is a match against Pakistan at present. The Pakistan team is under much more pressure and it is visible as one sees their players. It seems that they are playing under a lot of pressure,” said Ashwin as quoted by Sports Tak. 

“It’s a bit sad but I think this Pakistan team has the quality and they can do something. If it’s their day, they can outperform India,” he added.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Where to Watch Matches - TV Channels & Live Streaming in India