Champions Trophy 2025: India favourites but can be beaten by Australia

Three games, three comprehensive wins.

India have reinforced the view they are the world’s best white-ball side at the Champions Trophy over the past 11 days, not that it should be a surprise.

In the aftermath of their victory over New Zealand on Sunday, Black Caps bowler Matt Henry was asked by a journalist whether their opponents should admit India were “smart” in selecting five spinners for this tournament.

Henry did well to hide any bemusement. No other team has had the chance.

That India, after their decision not to travel to Pakistan in this tournament, are playing all of their matches in Dubai is a significant advantage.

They have the best spinners and, without having to change hotel bed or pick up their passports, are able to utilise them where slow bowling averages best, concedes the fewest runs and takes wickets more often compared to any of this tournament’s three other venues.

While the other three semi-finalists have had to balance a squad for the pace of Lahore or the skiddy bounce of Karachi, India have not.

Rohit Sharma’s side fielded three spinners in the first two games and, when the pitches tired further, added a fourth to face New Zealand – architect turned mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy coming in to take 5-42.