NEW DELHI: Spin great R Ashwin has identified India and New Zealand as the leading contenders for the upcoming Champions Trophy while cautioning against underestimating Australia despite their recent player injuries.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin in Pakistan on February 19 but India will play all their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model arrangement.
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“India has the home advantage in Dubai, and it almost like every other team is playing an away match against India. This is a problem for the other teams, for sure,” Ashwin said on his Youtube channel.
Ashwin questioned India’s preparation strategy for the Champions Trophy.
He wondered if participating in a tri-series would have been more beneficial than the bilateral series against England.
“Is this preparation with England enough for the Indian team ahead of CT in Dubai? Should we have played a tri-series too? Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa are playing in Pakistan conditions, which would help them in the CT.
“India only played against England in India, and moreover, we don’t have a lot of pleasant memories of playing T20s in Dubai. The toss becomes really crucial in Dubai. I think winning the toss becomes crucial.”
New Zealand remain a strong contender despite missing experienced pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, who have retired from 50-over cricket.
“After India, New Zealand is one of the strongest teams in the Champions Trophy. Since the likes of Southee and Boult are not playing, there is a question mark about their bowling attack. Who will accompany Matt Henry? Will it be Will O-Rourke, who has the potential to be a runaway champion of next generation. Will it be Ben Sears?
“They have an experienced spin attack with Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell Santner is the captain, how is he planning to marshall his resources. New Zealand is definitely a strong team. They are one of the challengers to India.”
Australia’s prospects in the tournament were analyzed by Ashwin, particularly focusing on their performance in major ICC events.
“Steven Smith as captain is a marriage made in heaven. Smith is going to captain the team in the Champions Trophy. Will Smith, Head, Maxwell and Labuschagne pull through the team to the semis. I always believe that Australia is a champion team that always brings its A-game in marquee tournaments.
“Considering Australia have a few issues in their bowling department, a lot will depend on Smith’s form and captaincy.”
Australia face significant challenges with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injuries. Mitchell Marsh’s back injury and Marcus Stoinis’s ODI retirement have further impacted their squad.
Ashwin also expressed enthusiasm about the revival of tri-series tournaments.
“Another moment of happiness is the return of the tri-series. Yeah, there are bilateral series happening, including the India-England one. But it feels like England isn’t playing serious enough cricket.
“In the recent series against Pakistan, England’s template worked, and the absolutely trampled them. Brooke and Duckett scored heavily.
“I don’t think the Champions Trophy in Pakistan will have such pitches. It will be far from easy for bowlers, and probably, England’s firepower would be back to shooting blanks in the tournament.
The retired off-spinner shared his thoughts on tri-series format and ODI cricket.
“90s kids would definitely understand this fascination for tri-series.
“Now, South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan have decided to reignite the interest in the tri-series and organise a tournament. The revival of tri-series tournaments would breathe life into the ODI format that is gradually getting overlooked.
“The tri-series might be a perfect curtain raiser for what’s in store for these teams at the Champions Trophy.”
He called South African captain Temba Bavuma one of the “luckiest” cricketers.
“South Africa also have an all-rounder conundrum. Will they play Wiaan Mulder, and can Rabada be the spearhead throughout the tournament? Will Marco Jansen leave an impact in Pakistan?
“South Africa is in the group of death with England, Afghanistan and Australia. Will England play like how they did in India, or transform into something else entirely in CT 2025?
“South Africa is going to be led by (Temba) Bavuma, who I think is one of the luckiest cricketers. They have qualified for the WTC finals, and have played quite good cricket.
“Will Tristan Stubbs be benched? Will Mulder and Jansen play together along with one of Keshav Maharaj and Shamsi?”
