India’s Journey to the 2025 Champions Trophy: A Packed Schedule Awaits

 The Indian cricket team has once again etched their name in history by lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup championship title in the West Indies, ending a decade-long ICC trophy drought. 

This win once again ignited the fire under the nation's cricketing spirit and set the stage for an exciting period leading up to the next major ICC event—the 2025 Champions Trophy. While the 'Men in Blue' get ready for this big-ticket tournament, what lies ahead of them is a challenging and busy schedule.

Post-World Cup Preparations

After the success in the T20 World Cup, the Indian team visited Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka for some white-ball games. These were not games to simply add wins but were an important time to test bench strength. With the Champions Trophy in view, the team management would like to have every player battle-ready.

India’s Road to the 2025 Champions Trophy:

The road to the 2025 Champions Trophy is therefore balanced with white-ball and Test matches against strong opponents. This schedule will therefore keep the team on its toes and fighting fit across all formats.

Times	Series	Match
September-October 2024	Bangladesh tour of India	2 Tests, 3 T20Is
October-November 2024	New Zealand tour of India	3 Tests
November 2024	India tour of South Africa	4 T20Is
November 2024-January 2025	India tour of Australia	5 Tests
January-February 2025	England tour of India	5 T20Is, 3 ODIs
February-March 2025	ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan)

All 10 of India's Test matches scheduled till the 2025 Champions Trophy are part of the 2023–25 ICC World Test Cycle. The Indian team, who leads the points table right now, will try to make it to yet another final, which is scheduled to take place at Lord's in June of the following year.

Notably, the ongoing political upheaval in the nation may force India to postpone its home series against the visiting cricket team from Bangladesh in September. The hosts will receive the WTC points if the Bangladeshi squad is unable to travel to India.

Looking Ahead: The Countdown to Pakistan 2025

The path of the Indian team toward the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan is a mix of opportunity and challenge. In fact, it will be a step for the team in each game, be it testing the high pressure of a Test game or the hasty pace of the T20 games. The sustained schedule could test the physical and mental stamina of the players, but an appropriate mix of experience and youth could see India carve its way once again into the history books.

With the Champions Trophy knocking at the door, one awaits a roller-coaster ride with many 'chilling' performances, nail-biting finishes, and more silverware for the 'Men in Blue'. Watch out for India en route to world dominance in the gentleman's game yet again!