"That was a masterstroke.." Suresh Raina reveals what helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy 2013

Suresh Raina retired from international cricket in 2020.

India are entering ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the favorites to win the tournament. The Men in Blue have displayed exceptional dominance in white-ball cricket reaching the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 before winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Drawn in Group B, India will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai before facing arch-rivals Pakistan and New Zealand on February 23 and March 2 respectively at the same venue.

Recalling fond memories, former Indian batter Suresh Raina has revealed a tactical masterclass that helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

Suresh Raina reveals what helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy 2013:

Speaking on The Suresh Raina Experience: Champions Trophy Special, Raina called Rohit Sharma‘s promotion to the opening slot a masterstroke that played a key role in India’s triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

Raina said, “That was a masterstroke. Just look at the way they batted—they focused on timing rather than forcing shots. They attacked when the delivery deserved it. Rohit, technically very sound, wore the ball down before accelerating, while Shikhar stepped out and took on the bowlers.“

Raina further added that Dhawan is a naturally aggressive player, while Rohit found boundaries at will. He also emphasized how the duo consistently built big partnerships.

“Left-right combinations always trouble bowlers, and Shikhar was an aggressive striker in his own way. Rohit could hit a six whenever he wanted.“

“Their partnerships were effortless. A 100-run stand quickly turned into 150. They trusted each other’s calls and had great understanding, which made a huge difference.“

Dhawan finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 363 runs in five innings, while Rohit’s limited-overs career transformed after the tournament.

India will aim to replicate their 2013 triumph in the upcoming tournament.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.