Sydney: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed regret over India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy (CT), calling the situation “unfortunate.” Speaking during the Champions Trophy Tour event, Watson highlighted the significance of the India-Pakistan rivalry and the unique excitement such matches bring to cricket fans.
Reflecting on the event's hybrid model, which schedules India’s matches at a neutral venue in Dubai, Watson remarked, "It’s unfortunate that things have worked out that way. But there’s no doubt that what everyone loves seeing — the India-Pakistan games. Whenever they come together, whether it’s an ICC event, it is a really special time because we’ve got a sense of what’s on the line."
Watson highlighted the significance of the Champions Trophy as a crucial addition to the cricketing calendar. He explained that the tournament provides much-needed context to one-day internationals, bridging the four-year gap between World Cups. He praised its compact format, which includes only eight teams, ensuring high stakes and competitive matches from the outset.
The 43-year-old added that the Champions Trophy helps maintain the balance between Test cricket and T20 cricket while ensuring one-day internationals remain relevant. “You keep giving one-day cricket the energy that it needs because it is a great game. It’s a great format. It provides that balance between Test cricket and T20 cricket,” Watson explained.
Reflecting on past performances, Watson recalled Australia’s disappointing exit in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where they finished at the bottom of Group A despite being defending champions. India, under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, emerged victorious in that edition, with players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma making significant contributions.
Addressing concerns over the current form of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Watson dismissed suggestions that their recent struggles would impact their performance in Dubai. He described Kohli as "a master of one-day cricket," pointing to his extraordinary record of 13,906 runs in 295 ODIs at an average of 58.18, including 50 centuries. Watson expressed confidence that Kohli would continue to excel, especially in conditions that suit his aggressive style.
He also backed Rohit Sharma to rediscover his best form, citing his dominant performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Watson remarked, “When he goes out for the batting in one-days, he lets loose. That’s when we see the very best of Rohit Sharma.” He added, “I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t perform really well in the Champions Trophy.”
Watson also praised young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who recently scored a century in the Boxing Day Test. He acknowledged Reddy’s potential as a versatile player but emphasized the need for him to improve his bowling to maximize his impact.
The ICC Champions Trophy, a key tournament in the cricketing calendar, promises to deliver thrilling contests and an opportunity for players to leave their mark on the sport. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the world’s top teams battle it out in this high-stakes competition.
With PTI inputs