Last week India clinched a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand in the final of Champions Trophy 2025 to clinch the marquee ICC event for a record-breaking third time. Last year, India also won the T20 World Cup in West Indies, beating South Africa by 7 runs.

Having won the title previously in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013, India qualified for their third successive summit clash in the tournament on the back of an undefeated run since the group stage. Collectively, India won their seventh ICC title, only behind Australia (10). The title win also help India surpass Australia as the most successful team in the Champions Trophy.

The Aussies clinched the title in successive editions in 2006 and 2009 in their only two final appearances. Meanwhile, the current edition was the fifth time India made it to the final, having also endured defeats to the Kiwis (2000) and Pakistan in the previous edition in 2017.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership approach became him the second-most-successful Indian captain ever, with two ICC titles now. He praised his team's collective effort, the depth of the batting order, and the spinners' crucial role throughout the tournament after India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.

Under Rohit’s captaincy, India lifted their second ICC silverware in less than nine months after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup against South Africa in Bridgetown.

It was also India’s fourth consecutive ICC final in less than two years – the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2023, the ODI World Cup in 2023, and the T20 World Cup in 2024 before playing their third successive Champions Trophy final in Dubai on March 9. Rohit became the first captain in international cricket to lead his team in the final of all four major ICC events.

Dhoni continues to be the most successful Indian captain with three ICC titles to his name – the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rohit also admired India’s depth in batting and their spinners, who played a critical role in the tournament. “The depth gives me the freedom, and with Jadeja coming in at No. 8, it gives you the confidence to go hard up front,” he said. India's four-pronged spin attack, particularly Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja, proved to be a key factor in their success.

Veteran Virat Kohli also showed his confidence on his team and said that"When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we've a squad that's ready to take on the world for the next 8 years. Shubman has been outstanding, Shreyas has played some top knocks, Rahul has finished games and Hardik has been superb with the bat."

India clinched the 2025 Champions Trophy, largely thanks to the exceptional performance of their spin contingent. The squad featured seasoned veterans like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, along with the adaptable Axar Patel.

Highlighting their spin success was Varun Chakravarthy, a mystery spinner who made a significant impact with a stunning five-wicket haul against New Zealand, boasting remarkable figures of 5-42 in only his second ODI appearance.

Chakravarthy delivered a stellar performance throughout the tournament, participating in three matches and bowling 30 overs without a maiden over. He conceded 145 runs while claiming 8 wickets, achieving an impressive bowling average of 18.12. His best performance came with the standout figures of 5/42, showcasing his knack for securing vital breakthroughs.

With an economy rate of 4.83 and a strike rate of 22.5, he proved to be an invaluable asset to the team. While he didn’t secure any additional four-wicket hauls, his single five-wicket achievement underscored his potential to be a match-winner.

The performances of these Indian spinners have been pivotal in their teams' journeys through the tournament, underscoring the crucial role of spin bowling in ODI cricket.

The coaching infrastructure and facilities available for spinners also play a pivotal role in shaping their development. Ensuring top-notch coaching for spinners at the grassroots level, providing access to state-of-the-art training facilities, and creating a conducive environment for spin bowling development are essential steps that need attention.

In the last decade, Indian spinners have increasingly outperformed their Pakistani counterparts, establishing a notable edge in international cricket. One key factor is the depth of talent in India's spinning arsenal, featuring bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, who have consistently delivered match-winning performances across different formats.

India's investment in grassroots cricket and advanced training facilities has nurtured a generation of spinners adept at varying their pace and utilising spin-friendly conditions effectively.

In contrast, Pakistan has experienced fluctuations in their spin bowling unit, with fewer consistent performers emerging since the days of legends like Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq and Saeed Ajmal.

Furthermore, Indian spinners demonstrated adaptability, excelling both domestically and internationally, while Pakistan spinners have occasionally struggled outside their home conditions. This consistency, along with strategic evolution and a focus on fitness and technique, has positioned Indian spinners at the forefront of world cricket over the past decade.

The ongoing challenge for Pakistan cricket lies in the nation's evolving perception of spin bowlers. Over the past decade, how many spinners from Pakistan have been recognized solely for their bowling prowess?

In the quest to uncover reliable spin talent, the PCB management tested a range of bowlers, including Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Waseem, Zahid Mehmood, Usama Mir, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmad, following the era of Saeed Ajmal. Unfortunately, consistent performances have eluded these players, preventing any from solidifying their position in the team.

While a few bowlers occasionally shine, they fail to pose a significant threat to opposing teams on a consistent basis. This inconsistency hinders our spinners from controlling the run rate or consistently taking wickets.

Spinners possess a remarkable capacity to adapt to varied pitch conditions, whether it be a turning track on the subcontinent or a seaming wicket in Australia. Their adaptability enhances their value to the captain, as they remain a constant source of pressure, regardless of the playing conditions.

While the perception of a decline in Pakistan's spin bowling might be prevalent, it is essential to recognize that cricket is a cyclical sport. The absence of world-class spinners in recent times does not necessarily indicate a permanent dearth of talent. The nation has a track record of producing legendary spinners, and with concerted efforts in coaching, infrastructure development, and a strategic approach to spin bowling at all levels, Pakistan can once again become a breeding ground for world-class spin talent.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should now mull hiring some former spinners like Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq or Saeed Ajmal who have enough international experience so they could effectively identify and nurture young spinners, helping to ensure the continued success of the Pakistan cricket team.

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