Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma's teammate confirms Champions Trophy 2025 is their last ICC tournament

Former India bowler Praveen Kumar feels that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could be the last ICC tournament for senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Praveen also stated that Rohit Sharma will lead India to another ICC title, adding that the Indian captain will lift the trophy on March 9 in Dubai.

The legendary duo have been key players for India in ICC events over the past decade, despite not winning titles. However, they played crucial roles in ending India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. The duo was also instrumental in the 2013 Champions Trophy victory.

Rohit Sharma Will Lead India to a Title Win - Praveen Kumar

In a chat with TimesofIndia.com, Praveen Kumar said that Rohit Sharma would lead India to another ICC trophy. He urged Virat Kohli and Rohit to secure one more title for the country before they retire.

"I am sure Rohit will lead India to a title win. He will have another ICC trophy soon. Bas yahi bolunga, Virat aur Rohit jaate jaate ek aur ICC trophy de do yaar [Virat and Rohit, give us one more ICC trophy before you retire]," Praveen said.

India and New Zealand have qualified for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue will face New Zealand in their final Group A match in Dubai on Sunday, March 2, with the result determining the semifinal matchups. Both teams defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan in their opening games.

If India defeat New Zealand, they will finish as Group A toppers and face Australia in the semifinal on Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Stadium. However, if the Men in Blue lose, they will take on South Africa in the first semifinal in Dubai, while New Zealand will face Australia in Lahore.

The final match of the marquee tournament will be played in Dubai on March 9. Australia and India are the only two teams to have secured two titles in Champions Trophy history.

Rohit Sharma Is a 'Yaaron Ka Yaar' - Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar lauded Rohit Sharma for fostering team unity during the tournament. He described Rohit as a true team man and a leader who brings out the best in his teammates.

"The team is doing really well. Whether it’s batting, fielding, or bowling, India is dominating in every aspect. The best part is that every member of this team is a match winner. I would give all the credit to Rohit Sharma. He is a 'yaaron ka yaar'. He is a true team man," Praveen said.

Virat Kohli Is a Big-Match Player - Praveen Kumar

Kumar also commended Virat Kohli, calling him a big-match player. He dismissed concerns about Virat Kohli’s struggles against off-stump deliveries, stating that a player of his caliber only needs one good innings to regain form.

"Virat Kohli is playing really well. He is a big match player. There were questions about him playing and getting dismissed to off-stump deliveries. Is that still an issue? No. Because a player like him doesn’t need many matches to make a comeback or get into the groove. He only needs one good innings, and he is never out of form," he said.

"You can never say that players like Rohit and Virat are out of form. They have given Indian cricket so much," he added.

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