Shubman Gill is set to lead India in their final Group A match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as Rohit Sharma might be rested due to a hamstring injury. Rohit sustained the injury during India’s match against Pakistan and was seen avoiding batting practice in Dubai. With India already in the semi-finals, team management may rest him ahead of the knockout game. Rishabh Pant or Washington Sundar could replace Rohit in the XI. Gill, India’s designated vice-captain, has prior leadership experience, having led India in Zimbabwe and IPL franchise Gujarat Titans.

The Indian cricket team has received a big boost ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal as bowling coach Morne Morkel has rejoined the squad. Morkel had briefly left due to a personal emergency in South Africa but is now back in Dubai to assist the team. His return is expected to strengthen India’s bowling preparations and boost player confidence for the crucial knockout match. With India performing well in the tournament, Morkel’s presence adds to their momentum as they aim for the championship title.  

Sunil Gavaskar has declined to compare Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, emphasizing that comparisons across eras are illogical. Speaking on the 'Dressing Room' show, Gavaskar highlighted the differences in playing conditions, opposition, and pitches across eras, making such comparisons unfair. He referred to this tendency to compare as a "subcontinent weakness," noting that similar comparisons are rarely made in other regions, like between Australian legends Ricky Ponting and Greg Chappell. Kohli, with 82 international centuries, has surpassed Tendulkar’s ODI century count, but Gavaskar believes the legacy of each player should be celebrated independently.

Ahead of Australia’s clash with Afghanistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Marnus Labuschagne expressed his determination to win and silence the crowd at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. With Afghanistan coming off a thrilling win over England, the match holds crucial significance, as the winner advances to the semi-finals. Labuschagne emphasized Australia's focus on finishing top in their pool, despite challenges like weather and Afghanistan’s formidable bowling attack. The match follows a tense 2023 World Cup encounter, where Australia narrowly defeated Afghanistan. Labuschagne also commented on Cricket Australia’s stance against Afghanistan's human rights violations, emphasizing that their focus remains on the upcoming game.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in embarrassment as their final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned due to rain. With just 1 point and a -1.087 net run rate, the defending champions finished last in Group A, marking the worst-ever finish for a title holder in the tournament’s history. Pakistan’s disastrous campaign even surpassed Australia’s record-low performance in 2013. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side faced heavy criticism as fans and experts questioned their preparation and strategy. Meanwhile, Bangladesh also exited the tournament, sharing a point from the abandoned game.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar criticized Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy after Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit, calling him "abnormal." Speaking on PTV, he blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for poor leadership choices. Ex-captain Shoaib Malik interrupted, challenging Akhtar to "fix the system." Akhtar responded, saying he could reform domestic cricket in three years if given control. Mohammad Hafeez joked, "Isn't three years too long?" Pakistan's six-wicket defeat to India sealed their fate in the tournament. Akhtar’s remarks have sparked intense debate over the team’s future.

Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed former England captain Kevin Pietersen as a mentor ahead of IPL 2025. Pietersen, who previously played for DC in 2012 and 2014, will collaborate with head coach Hemang Badani and other support staff. The franchise, after a disappointing IPL 2024 season, is revamping its strategy and bolstered its squad with players like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Faf du Plessis. Fans expressed their excitement on social media, recalling Pietersen's history with the team and his potential impact. Some fans humorously suggested Pietersen’s role could be the missing piece for DC’s first IPL title.

In a recent interview, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan commended Rohit Sharma’s evolution as a captain, emphasizing his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Dhawan highlighted Rohit’s leadership journey since 2013, stating that his experience has helped him strike a balance between being assertive and supportive. He credited Rohit’s strategic acumen and strong team rapport as key factors in India’s success. Reflecting on their partnership from the 2013 Champions Trophy, Dhawan expressed confidence in India’s prospects under Rohit’s captaincy as they prepare for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

In a thrilling Group B encounter at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan edged out England by eight runs, effectively ending England's Champions Trophy campaign. Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable 325/7, largely due to Ibrahim Zadran's record-breaking 177 off 146 balls—the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Despite Jofra Archer's early three-wicket haul, England's chase fell short at 317 all out, with Joe Root's valiant 120 going in vain. Azmatullah Omarzai's five-wicket performance was pivotal in sealing Afghanistan's victory, which now intensifies the semifinal race in Group B.   

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar defended Babar Azam after heavy criticism from Pakistan greats, suggesting a technical adjustment to improve his form. Speaking to Basit Ali on YouTube, Gavaskar advised Babar to narrow his stance for better movement and shot selection. “If he does that, his run-making ability will return,” he said. Babar, struggling across formats, faces mounting pressure after Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit. Gavaskar praised Babar’s elegant strokeplay, highlighting his flick against India. Babar gets a final chance to silence critics in Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh on February 27.