Former New Zealand's star speedster Tim Southee has ignored his own team to announce the most dangerous team in the Champions Trophy 2025. Southee, who recently announced his retirement, labelled Team India as strong contenders for the Champions Trophy 2025 title, which is set to get underway from February 19.
Southee believes that the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team consistently performs well in major tournaments, often reaching the latter stages.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the UAE starting on February 19, with the final set for March 9. India will undoubtedly be among the favorites, given their strong performances in recent ICC events, including winning the T20 World Cup 2024 and reaching the final of the ODI World Cup 2023.
India's campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 20 against Bangladesh. They will then face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, before concluding the group stage with a match against New Zealand on March 2. India has been placed in Group B for the tournament.
India will be a dangerous side in Champions Trophy: Tim Southee
Tim Southee believes India will be the most dangerous side in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, he is also confident about New Zealand's chances, hoping his former team can make a deep run in the tournament and reach the final.
"It'd be nice. India is a strong side when it comes to world events and is always there near the end. So yeah, I'm sure they'll be a dangerous side throughout, and hopefully, New Zealand will be there as well. I hope New Zealand makes it to the final," Southee told TOI.
Southee acknowledged the high level of competition expected at the ICC Champions Trophy, mentioning that he has always enjoyed participating in the tournament. He also commented on the New Zealand squad, highlighting their consistent strong performances in ICC events.
"It's a great tournament, with the top eight sides competing for the trophy. It's a short, sharp tournament, and it always has been. I've always enjoyed the ones I've played in. So, hopefully, New Zealand can do well in that and, I guess, add to our silverware," Southee further added.
"We have a great group of players coming through-players who have played a lot of cricket together. I think the ability to play as a team in world events, as well as in other games, is crucial. So I think, yeah, it's about the style of play we've developed and having a group of players who have spent a lot of time playing together," he concluded.
New Zealand will start their Champions Trophy campaign with a clash against Pakistan on February 19 before taking on Bangladesh on February 24. They will play their last league match against India on March 2.