Gautam Gambhir has never been short of courage in his cricketing style, be it as a player or as a coach today. His recent choices have gone a long way in determining India's strategy for the Champions Trophy 2025. Some of the daring steps he took and left an impact are listed below.

Axar Patel at Number 5

Axar Patel is primarily viewed as an all-rounder, but Gambhir made a big call in advancing him to number five. It provided India with additional batting depth and allowed Axar to deliver game-changing middle-order performances. His pressure-holding skills and ability to rotate the strike have brought stability to the batting lineup.

Supporting KL Rahul Instead of Rishabh Pant

The KL Rahul-Rishabh Pant debate had been going on, but Gambhir decided to stand by Rahul. His experience under pressure and the calmness during critical moments presented him as the go-to person. Though Pant is an explosive hitter, Gambhir's decision to rely on Rahul meant steady hands in the middle order.

ALSO SEE: Is This Indian team is truly an all time great ?

Choosing Varun Chakravarthy in the Squad

Varun Chakravarthy's mystery spin is a weapon against top teams, and Gambhir understood its worth. Having him in the team provided India with an unpredictable advantage in the bowling unit, making the attack more varied and deadly.

Gambhir's moves speak volumes about his cricketing brain and his capability to take calculated risks. As India prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025, these moves could be a massive contributor to their success.

Match Overview

• Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• Fixture: India vs New Zealand
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium
• Date: March 2, 2025

India’s Probable XI :

ALSO SEE: ECL 2025: Full Schedule, New Teams, Match Timings & Must-Watch Matches

New Zealand’s Probable XI :

Head-to-Head in ICC Tournaments

• Champions Trophy 2000 Final: New Zealand defeated India to win their first ICC trophy.
• World Cup 2019 Semi-final: New Zealand knocked out India in a thrilling low-scoring game.
• World Test Championship 2021 Final: New Zealand defeated India to claim the inaugural WTC title.

India will be eager to avenge past ICC defeats, while New Zealand will look to continue their dominance in knockout matches.

Prediction and Key Battles to Watch

• Kohli vs Williamson – A battle between two of the best No. 3 batters.
• Arshdeep vs Conway – Can Arshdeep swing the new ball past Conway?
• Santner vs Pant – Left-arm spin vs left-handed power-hitting.

Both teams have the firepower to win, but India’s spin depth and batting strength might give them a slight edge in UAE conditions.

The ninth Women’s Asia Cup starts on Friday, July 19, in Sri Lanka.

Eight teams will compete in the T20I format, marking the fifth time this format is used. This tournament also serves as preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this October and November.

In the initial stage, the eight teams are divided into two groups of four. The top two teams from each group will move on to the semi-finals.

The final match is scheduled for July 28 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.

India, the defending champions won the last final against Sri Lanka in 2022. They have won every Asia Cup except for the 2018 edition in Malaysia, where they lost to Bangladesh.

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 groups

Group 1: India, United Arab Emirates, Nepal and Pakistan

Group 2: Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 full squads

India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan.

Pakistan squad: Nida Dar (C), Iram Javed, Sadia Iqbal, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Tuba Hassan, Najiha Alvi, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sundhu, Tasmia Rubab.

United Arab Emirates squad: Esha Rohit Oza (C), Kavisha Kumari, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Lavanya Keny, Khushi Mohan Sharma, Rishitha Rajith, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Vaishnave Mahesh, Emily Thomas, Heena Harish Hotchandani, Mehak Thakur, Indhuja Nandakumar, Rinitha Rajith.

Nepal squad: Indu Barma (C), Kajol Shrestha, Rubina Chettri, Sabnam Rai, Sita Rana Magar, Rajmati Airee, Puja Mahato, Dolly Bhatta, Kritika Marasini, Samjhana Khadka, Bindu Rawal, Roma Thapa, Mamta Chaudhary, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar.

Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorifa Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, Marufa Akter, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin, Ritu Moni, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Rabeya Khan.

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kaveesha Dilhari, Vishmi Gunarathne, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Nilakshi De Silva, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Udeshika Prabodani, Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasooriya,

Thailand squad: Thipatcha Putthawong (C), Nannapat Khoncharoenkai (WK), Suwanan Khiaoto (WK), Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Nattaya Boochatham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Rosenanee Kanoh, Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Sunida Chaturongrattana,

Malaysia squad: Winifred Duraisingam (C), Mas Elysa, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Wan Julia, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Aina Najwa, Suabika Manivannan, Amalin Sorfina, Nur Aisyah, Irdina Beh Nabil, Aisya Eleesa, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Arianna Natasya, Elsa Hunter, Dhanusri Sri Muhunan.

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 full schedule

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 live streaming and telecast

Watch the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 matches on the Star Sports Network and stream them live on Disney+ Hotstar in India.