Former India captain Sourav Ganguly lavished praise on Rohit Sharma-led side after their win against New Zealand in the final group stage clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs to register their third consecutive win in the mega event.
India will now face Australia for their semifinal clash of the Champions Trophy, which will take place on March 4 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, where the Men in Blue are playing all their matches of the mega event. Ganguly believes that this Indian team can defeat anyone.
Speaking to ANI, Ganguly said, "India won the last T20 World Cup (in 2024) and played in the final (of 50-over in 2023). It is a very strong team in white-ball cricket, no matter who is on the opposite side. It has the capability to defeat anyone."
Ganguly also lauded India veteran speedster Mohammed Shami for his five-wicket haul in India's Champions Trophy opener clash against Bangladesh at the same venue.
"Injury happen to anyone. It is a part of a fast bowler's career. He has won so many matches for India with (Jasprit) Bumrah. He is such a fine bowler" Ganguly added.
Coming back to India vs New Zealand clash, after being asked to bat India's top batting order flopped as the Men in Blue lost three wickets in the powerplay. Shreyas Iyer's 79-run knock helped India to put 249 on board. While bowling, Varun Chakaravarthy was the pick of the bowlers with a fifer that helped India to defeat New Zealand.
