The Champions Trophy 2025 is ready to deliver blockbuster action to cricket supporters. In the massive ODI tournament, set to be played in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9, eyes will be set on Team India, who have consistently reached the knockouts in the 50-over International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament held since 2011. Indian cricket team supporters are expecting the team to be at their best in the competition to bring the coveted trophy home after 12 years.
India possesses an excellent batting unit and they will expect their bowling attack to be effective as well to pull off the title. Back in 2013, when the Men in Blue lifted the title under MS Dhoni’s leadership, their bowlers complemented the batters. Magnificent efforts were visible in all departments of the game under Dhoni’s captaincy. Ravindra Jadeja, who took 12 wickets in five games, became the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Before watching India’s campaign in the upcoming competition, it’s essential to look back at India’s best bowling figures in the distinguished tournament. In this article, SportsTiger looks back at India’s five best bowling spells in Champions Trophy history.
Top five bowling performances for India in Champions Trophy
5. Venkatesh Prasad’s 3/27 versus New Zealand in 2000
India concluded the 2000 Champions Trophy as runners-up under Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy. In the final, played at the Gymkhana Club Ground, they failed to defend a total of 264 but Venkatesh Prasad, who was leading the bowling unit, put up sensational efforts. Bowling his seven-over spell, he took 3/27 figures with a miser economy of 3.85. The pacer got rid of the top-order batters Craig Spearman and Stephen Fleming early. He posed a stiff challenge in front of Chris Harris, who got dismissed in the 49th over of the innings. In the end, the Kiwis prevailed, riding on Chris Cairns’ unbeaten 102 off 113 but Venkatesh’s bowling efforts were hailed.
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4. Virender Sehwag’s 3/25 versus South Africa in 2002
Back in 2002, India won their first Champions Trophy title jointly with Sri Lanka. The semi-final against South Africa in Colombo saw Virender Sehwag donning the role of an all-rounder. After a scintillating fifty with the bat, Sehwag contributed 3/25 figures with the ball and played an essential role in his team’s intriguing 11-run win. Chasing 262 runs, Shaun Pollock and Co. looked comfortable until Herschelle Gibbs got retired hurt after scoring an unbeaten 116 off 119. Harbhajan Singh removed Jonty Rhodes and Boeta Dippenaar in quick succession and taking advantage of the situation, Sehwag also struck the Proteas with Mark Boucher’s scalp. In the final over, Sehwag was tasked to defend 21 runs. After getting hit for a maximum on the first delivery, he got the better of Jacques Kallis in the next ball. In the crunch situation, the spinner showed nerves of steel and dismissed Lance Klusener to seal the win. Sehwag’s performance won him the Player of the Match (POTM) award.
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3. Munaf Patel’s 3/18 versus England in 2006
India started their 2006 Champions Trophy campaign with a four-wicket win against England in Jaipur. Fielding first after winning the toss, the hosts looked extraordinary from the start of the match as Munaf Patel sent Ian Bell and Michael Yardy back to the pavilion within the first 10 overs of the game. After picking up both batters, Patel handed his side the crucial wicket of Kevin Pietersen, who was looking to settle at the crease. Riding on his 3/18 spell in eight overs, India folded the English side on 125 in 37 overs. Munaf’s bowling exploits also got him the POTM award.
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2. Sachin Tendulkar’s 4/38 versus Australia in 1998
In the maiden edition of the Champions Trophy held in Bangladesh, India’s journey ended with a six-wicket loss against West Indies in Dhaka but cricket fans still remember India’s famous 44-run win against Australia in the third quarter-final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a colossal score of 307/8 on the board with the help of Sachin Tendulkar’s 141 off 128. After the mind-boggling batting show, Sachin did wonders with the ball. Bowling a 9.1-over spell, he splurged only 38 runs and bagged four wickets which included key batters Steve Waugh, Michael Bevan, and Damien Martyn. The Master Blaster won the POTM award for his stunning performance.
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1. Ravindra Jadeja’s 5/36 versus West Indies in 2013
Ravindra Jadeja looked extraordinary with the ball against West Indies in the 2013 Champions Trophy game held at the Oval. Bowling his 10-over spell, he racked up 5/36 figures. His victims included pivotal names in Johnson Charles, Marlon Samuels, and Ramnaresh Sarwan. The southpaw’s magnificent bowling helped India contain the Windies side on 233/9 in 50 overs. Jadeja’s performance gave confidence to the batters as they achieved the target in just 39.1 overs with eight wickets in hand. The all-rounder became the recipient of the POTM award for his valuable contribution.
