Indian captain Rohit Sharma remains unfazed by the looming pressure as his team gears up for a high-stakes semi-final clash against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Set to take place on Tuesday, the encounter promises to be a stern test of nerves, especially given India’s history against the Aussies in ICC knockout matches. Since their ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, India has struggled to overcome Australia in such crucial encounters.
However, Rohit is adamant that his team must focus on their strengths rather than dwell on past results. Acknowledging the challenge, Rohit emphasized that his team will approach the semi-final with the same mindset that has brought them success in the tournament so far.
“Look, they are a great opposition to play against. All we have to do is stick to what we’ve been doing in the last three games. We understand how they play and what to expect,” Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match press conference.
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The Indian skipper also admitted that there will be tense moments during the match, but that is part and parcel of knockout cricket. “We expect some nervy times in the middle. That’s just how these games go. But it’s a semi-final—both teams will be under pressure to win,” he added. Australia has long been a dominant force in ICC tournaments, and Rohit recognizes the fightback that his side will likely face. However, his focus remains on India’s approach.
Rohit Sharma warned his India team Monday to expect “fightbacks” and “nervy times” against Australia in the Champions Trophy last four in a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final.#INDvsAUS #Cricket #ChampionsTrophy https://t.co/dXIx19ahwS
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“The key is to focus on what we need to do—whether as a batting unit or a bowling unit. Australia has been an incredible team for years, and we expect a strong challenge. But for us, it’s about executing our plans and getting the basics right. If we do that consistently, the results will take care of themselves,” he explained.
With India already eliminated from the World Test Championship, the Champions Trophy presents an opportunity for Rohit to add another major ICC title to his name after securing the T20 World Cup 2024. His team has been in dominant form throughout the group stage, winning all three of their matches, including a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand.
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That win was highlighted by Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant five-wicket haul—his first in ODI cricket. As India prepares for their biggest challenge yet, all eyes will be on Rohit and his men to see if they can finally break their ICC knockout jinx against Australia and move one step closer to lifting the Champions Trophy.
