India Secures Significant Lead ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-finals

Update from New Delhi: India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has rejoined the team after attending to a personal emergency. He actively participated in the team's training session on Wednesday. Morkel had left the Indian camp just before the Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on February 20. During the training session at the ICC Academy, he was spotted deep in discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Interestingly, star performer Shubman Gill was the only player not present at practice.

Rishabh Pant has recuperated from his illness and practiced with the team on Wednesday.

India took a brief break following their impressive victory over Pakistan in their second group match. They have secured a spot in the semifinals from Group A, joining New Zealand.

The two teams are scheduled to compete against one another in their final group match on March 2.

India, the last champions of the tournament in 2013, are seen as strong contenders to win the title again due to their squad’s emphasis on spin and their performance in the tournament up to this point.

India has been playing all their matches in Dubai, where the pitch has been slow and has supported spin bowlers thus far.

In light of the tournament’s hybrid format, India is the only team competing at a single location, a situation that has drawn criticism from former England captain Michael Atherton, who views it as a clear benefit for Rohit Sharma and his team.

Although Pakistan is hosting the tournament, India will participate in the final in Dubai if they qualify.