Rohit Sharma is set to lead India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, marking his first time as captain in this tournament. Unlike Sourav Ganguly (2002) and MS Dhoni (2013), who both won the title on their second attempts, Rohit has just one shot at making history. At 38, he may not get another opportunity, making this his best—and possibly only—chance to claim the title outright as captain.
India’s Champions Trophy Journey
India has won the Champions Trophy twice:
- 2002 (joint winners with Sri Lanka) under Sourav Ganguly
- 2013 (outright winners) under MS Dhoni
If India secures victory in 2025, they will surpass Australia to become the most successful team in the tournament’s history. For Rohit, it would be a defining moment, adding another ICC trophy to his legacy after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title.
How Ganguly and Dhoni Fared in Their First Attempts
- Sourav Ganguly (2000): Led India to the final but lost to New Zealand, despite his own 117-run knock.
- MS Dhoni (2009): India suffered a first-round exit after losing to Pakistan.
Both captains won the title on their second attempts—an opportunity Rohit might never get due to his age and the uncertain future of the tournament.
Rohit’s Recent Struggles and India’s Form
Since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit has faced challenges, both as a captain and a batsman. India’s recent performances, including missing out on the World Test Championship (WTC) final and losing an ODI series in Sri Lanka, have raised concerns. However, ICC tournaments often bring out the best in Indian teams, and this could be Rohit’s redemption moment.
A Make-or-Break Tournament
The 2025 Champions Trophy is not just another tournament for Rohit Sharma—it’s his one and only chance to do what no other Indian captain has done before: win the title outright on his first attempt. With age and uncertainty surrounding future editions, this could be Rohit’s final shot at cementing his legacy as one of India’s greatest white-ball captains.
Will Rohit seize the moment and achieve what even Ganguly and Dhoni couldn’t on their first tries? The world will be watching.
Read more Rohit Sharma Leadership
