New Delhi: Shikhar Dhawan was an instrumental part of Indias triumphant 2013 Champions Trophy squad which was led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The elegant left-hander earned the Player of the Tournament title after amassing 363 runs in five matches with an impressive average of 90.75 including two centuries and a fifty. A seasoned player with 167 ODIs 34 Tests and 68 T20Is under his belt Dhawan shared his insights exclusively with TimesofIndia.com discussing Indias squad for the 2025 edition of the multi-nation tournament their chances of winning the current form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and more. Winning the 2013 Champions Trophy was a moment I will never forget—not just for me but for the entire team and the nation. Lifting that trophy after such a challenging journey felt truly special. The sense of pride and accomplishment we felt was overwhelming and the celebrations were filled with pure joy. But what made it even more unforgettable was the immense support from our fans which is something I will always hold dear. One of the most memorable moments was lifting the trophy with my teammates after such a tough and intense tournament. Honestly it doesn’t get any better than that! Another unforgettable memory was Virat’s Gangnam Style dance after our victory—everyone was in stitches! I also scored centuries in my comeback match against South Africa and another against the West Indies. But for me the most cherished moments were those spent with the team in the dressing room—those fun candid moments and discussions were truly special. I miss those times and will keep them in my heart forever. How do you assess the current squad under Rohit Sharma’s leadership? India’s current squad is incredibly strong and well-rounded. We have experienced players like Rohit Virat and Bumrah alongside emerging talents like Arsh and Yashasvi. Our batting depth is solid and the form of our fast bowlers has been very impressive. Weve been consistent across all formats and I truly believe that we have the potential to win any tournament we compete in. There’s been some concern about Rohit and Virat’s recent form. Do you think it’s a big issue? Rohit and Virat are both world-class players. They are legends of the game at this point and I have absolute confidence in their abilities. Every player goes through rough patches but that doesn’t define them. A couple of poor performances here and there won’t change what they’re capable of. We’ve all seen what Rohit and Virat can do—they’ve proven it time and time again. I have no doubt they’ll bounce back stronger and continue to perform for the team. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s selection has sparked a lot of discussion. What are your thoughts on his inclusion? Yashasvi is a talented young player. I’ve watched him play and he’s been impressive in every format. His ability to open the batting adds a new dimension to the team especially when paired with someone like Rohit. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him to showcase his skills on the world stage and I’m confident he will make the most of it. He’s definitely one to watch for the future. Do you think Mohammed Siraj and Suryakumar Yadav should have been included in the squad? Selections are based on many factors and it’s great to see Mohd. Shami making his return to the ODI squad after his injury. His experience and skill will be a valuable asset to the team. Siraj has been in exceptional form and his pace and aggression make him a key player. His consistency has been outstanding. As for Suryakumar his batting is a huge advantage especially his adaptability in different situations. But I’m confident that both Siraj and Suryakumar will get their chances soon and when they do they will make an impact. The India vs Pakistan clash on February 23 is generating a lot of buzz. What are your thoughts on this much-anticipated match? The India vs Pakistan rivalry is always electrifying. There’s a unique intensity surrounding these games—so much energy and emotion. It’s a rivalry like no other. Representing India and playing against Pakistan is an honor and the atmosphere on the field is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Every moment feels bigger due to the rivalry and it’s one of those matches that every player eagerly anticipates. I’m confident that India will come out on top.