India is set to face Australia in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team, ranked No. 1 in ODIs, has been in sensational form, winning all six ODIs in 2025. Now, they aim to extend their streak to seven and book a third consecutive Champions Trophy final appearance.

However, standing in their way is Australia, the same team that shattered India’s dreams in the ODI World Cup 2023 final with a dominant six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad. While India will be desperate for revenge, the task won’t be easy against the six-time ODI World Cup champions.

India’s Key Players Against Australia – A Look at Past Performances

Ahead of this high-stakes clash, let’s analyze how India’s key players have performed in ODIs against Australia.

Rohit Sharma – The ‘Hitman’ Against Australia

• Matches: 45
• Runs: 2,379
• Highest Score: 209 (Double Century)
• Centuries: 7
• Fifties: 9
• Sixes: 87 (Most by any batter vs Australia)
• Wickets: 2

Rohit Sharma is India’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs against Australia, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. His 209 in Bengaluru (2013) remains one of the best ODI knocks against the Aussies.

Virat Kohli – The Chase Master

• Matches: 49
• Runs: 2,367
• Centuries: 8
• Fifties: 14

Kohli will be playing his 50th ODI against Australia in this semifinal. His eight centuries against them prove he thrives under pressure.

Shubman Gill – The Young Gun

• Matches: 7
• Runs: 272
• Highest Score: 104

Gill’s maiden ODI century (104) against Australia came in Indore in September 2023. His red-hot form makes him a crucial asset.

Shreyas Iyer – Can He Step Up in Knockouts?

• Matches: 11
• Runs: 274
• Highest Score: 105
• World Cup 2023 vs Australia: 0 & 4

Iyer struggled against Australia in the World Cup 2023, managing just 4 runs in two matches. He will be keen to make a strong statement.

KL Rahul – India’s Reliable Middle-Order Batter

• Matches: 16
• Runs: 691
• Fifties: 7

Rahul was India’s top scorer in both World Cup 2023 matches against Australia. His ability to anchor innings makes him a key player.

Hardik Pandya – All-Round Firepower

• Matches: 11
• Runs: 557
• Fifties: 4
• Wickets: 12

Pandya’s explosive batting and handy medium-pace bowling can be game-changing.

Ravindra Jadeja – The X-Factor

• Matches: 44
• Runs: 575
• Wickets: 37

Jadeja’s all-round ability makes him one of India’s most valuable assets in crunch games.

Bowlers Who Have Troubled Australia

Shami is India’s most successful bowler in ICC white-ball tournaments and will lead the attack.
Kuldeep Yadav has a hat-trick against Australia in ODIs.

Can India Avenge World Cup 2023 Heartbreak?

This semifinal clash holds special significance, as it’s India’s first ODI against Australia since the World Cup final in November 2023.

What’s at Stake?

• A place in the Champions Trophy final for the third straight time
• A chance to settle scores with Australia
• Keeping the undefeated streak of 2025 alive

Biggest Challenges for India

• Handling Australia’s pace attack (Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood)
• Countering Travis Head & Steve Smith, who were match-winners in WC final
• Ensuring middle-order stability in a high-pressure game

Prediction: Who Holds the Edge?

India’s Strengths:
Batting depth with Rohit, Kohli, Gill in form
Balanced bowling attack led by Shami & Kuldeep
Momentum – 6 consecutive ODI wins in 2025

Australia’s Strengths:
Big-match experience – dominated India in ODI World Cup final
Strong pace attack – Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood
Aggressive batting lineup

Verdict: India starts as slight favorites based on current form, but Australia’s big-game mentality makes them dangerous. It’s set to be a thrilling contest!