With the 9th edition of the Champions Trophy all set to roll from February 19, India will aim to add another feather to its cap when they lock horns with Bangladesh in their opener in Dubai on February 20.
Australia and India are the two most successful teams, winning the tournament twice, while South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Pakistan have won it once each.
India first won the tournament in 2002, where they shared the trophy with Sri Lanka. The second title in the cabinet came in 2013.
Let us take a look at Team India’s performance in the Champions Trophy in the past.
The first-ever Champions Trophy, held in Bangladesh, was played in a knockout format. India started strong with a victory over Australia, thanks to a brilliant all-round performance by Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 141 runs and took four wickets.
However, in the semi-finals, India lost to West Indies by six wickets despite good performances from Sourav Ganguly and Robin Singh.
In the second edition, India finished as the runner-up. They edged past Australia in a thrilling 20-run victory in the quarterfinals, and a brilliant knock of unbeaten 141 from Sourav Ganguly against South Africa saw the team reach the final for the first time. However, India lost the final to the Kiwis by 4 wickets.
The 2002 edition was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy, featuring a new format. India topped their pool and reached the final, defeating the mighty South Africa in the last 4.
In the final against Sri Lanka, rain forced the match to be replayed on the reserve day, but it was washed out again. As a result, India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners.
The 2004 tournament, held in England, saw one of the worst performances from the Indian side. India was placed in Group C alongside Pakistan and Kenya. India failed to progress beyond the group stage. West Indies won that edition.
It was another disastrous season for Team India. In the 2006 edition, India was placed in Group A with Australia, England, and West Indies.
India managed to defeat England but lost to both Australia and the West Indies, finishing third in the group and failing to advance to the semi-finals.
The 2009 Champions Trophy, held in South Africa, featured only eight teams. India was in Group A with Australia, Pakistan, and the West Indies.
A loss to Pakistan and a washed-out game against Australia meant that their victory over the West Indies was not enough to secure a semi-final spot.
Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, India had a flawless campaign in England. They topped Group B with three wins and defeated Sri Lanka in the semi-final.
In the rain-shortened final against England, India posted 129/7, and the bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Ishant Sharma, helped secure a thrilling five-run win to claim the title.
Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, the team reached the final after topping their group and defeating Bangladesh in the semi-final. However, in the final against Pakistan, India struggled while chasing 338 runs and were bowled out for 158, losing by 180 runs.
Schedule
• India vs Bangladesh - February 20 - Dubai (2:30 PM IST)
• India vs Pakistan - February 23 - Dubai (2:30 PM IST)
• India vs New Zealand - March 2 - Dubai (2:30 PM IST)
Matches played: 29
Matches won: 18
Matches lost: 8
No result: 3
India enters the ICC event as favorites to win the title. However, Rohit Sharma's team faces a big challenge, with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah missing the tournament.
Without their key match-winner, India will have to work even harder to succeed and lift the trophy.