The World Championship of Legends (WCL) has carved a unique niche in the cricketing world, offering retired international stars a platform to relive their glory and entertain fans globally. One of the most iconic and successful teams to emerge from the league is the India Champions. Representing the cricket-crazy nation of India, the India Champions are undoubtedly the most popular and sought-after team of the tournament. In the inaugural edition held in 2024, the India Champions scripted a historic triumph...
Formed in 2024 as one of the six founding teams of the World Championship of Legends, the India Champions were built around a core of former Indian internationals who brought immense experience, match-winning pedigree, and a deep understanding of high-pressure situations. Drawing fans from every corner of India and beyond, the team quickly became a crowd favorite.
Their maiden campaign was nothing short of a fairy tale. Despite an indifferent group stage performance, where they finished fourth with only two wins in five matches, the India Champions peaked at the right moment. They stunned tournament favorites Australia Champions in the semifinal and then held their nerve to defeat Pakistan Champions in the final at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Yusuf Pathan rolled back the clock as he played a pivotal role throughout the campaign. Not only was he named Player of the Tournament for his all-round brilliance (3 fifties & 5 wickets in 6 matches), but was also one of the top scorers of the tournament as he led India to victory. Team captain Yuvraj Singh also played a pivotal role with his leadership to guide India towards the comeback victory.
While, there has only been one season of the World Championship of Legends till now and 2025 will mark the second edition of the much anticipated Legends league, India Champions in 2024 had a roller coaster journey. The India Champions started off their campaign with a string of losses and barely managed to steady their campaign towards the end and qualified for the playoffs with four points winning two out of their three matches.
In the playoffs, the India Champions really stepped up to the occasion as they defeated Australia in Semi-Final 1 by 28 runs. In the final, they faced arch-nemesis Pakistan Champions, and Yusuf Pathan stepped up to guide India to a five-wicket win and lift the trophy. Yusuf Pathan was named the man of the tournament for his performances.
The India Champions’ 2024 campaign was a testament to resilience and experience triumphing over form. Veterans like Robin Uthappa, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan made vital contributions across the campaign. While the batting unit found heroes in different games, the bowling attack consistently produced breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
The heartbeat of India Champions, Yuvraj Singh is more than just the captain—he is the soul of the squad. A legendary figure in Indian cricket, Yuvraj led India Champions to glory in the inaugural WCL season in 2024 with both strategic acumen and personal brilliance. His fearless batting, especially in crunch moments, coupled with his ability to chip in with key breakthroughs, makes him one of the biggest match-winners in the WCL. As the team gears up to defend their title in 2025, Yuvraj’s leadership and all-round brilliance will once again be central to India’s campaign.
An experienced campaigner with an aggressive style, Robin Uthappa brings consistency at the top of the order. In the 2024 edition, Uthappa was India Champions’ highest run-scorer with 225 runs, showcasing his trademark elegance and attacking flair. Known for his quick starts in the powerplay, Uthappa is expected to set the tone for India’s innings throughout the tournament. His form with the bat could be the difference between average totals and match-winning ones for the defending champions.
The veteran off-spinner continues to bamboozle batters with his guile and flight. In the 2024 WCL, Harbhajan was India's most successful bowler, bagging 8 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.00, including a standout 4/25 spell. His ability to turn games with his variations and maintain control in the middle overs makes him indispensable. Bhajji’s experience on English pitches could be a game-changer once again in the 2025 edition.
A swing maestro and a hard-hitting lower-order batter, Irfan Pathan offers the perfect balance to the side. His presence provides flexibility to the bowling attack and depth to the batting order. With the ability to generate early breakthroughs and finish games with the bat, Irfan remains one of the most valuable assets in the India Champions lineup. His fitness and form will be closely watched by fans and opponents alike.
Known as “Mr. IPL,” Suresh Raina continues to be a dynamo in the WCL setup. A livewire on the field, Raina brings solidity to the middle order. His aggressive yet calculated approach allows him to accelerate seamlessly during the middle overs. Apart from his batting, his fielding remains electric, often lifting the team’s energy levels.
The power-hitter from Baroda, Yusuf Pathan remains a threat to any bowling attack with his brutal hitting ability. With 221 runs and 15 sixes in the 2024 season, Yusuf was among the top performers in the tournament. He was named Player of the Tournament as he led India Champions to glory with his bat. His ability to change games in a matter of balls makes him a crucial impact player, especially in the latter half of the innings. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the second edition of the tournament.
As the India Champions aim to retain their WCL crown, these seasoned campaigners will once again shoulder the responsibility of delivering glory. With firepower in both departments, India’s legends are well-poised for another memorable run.
India Champions etched their name in the history books by winning the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in 2024. Under the inspirational leadership of Yuvraj Singh, the team showcased dominance, composure, and a flair that echoed their prime years. They remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating Pakistan Champions in a thrilling final at Edgbaston to lift the trophy.
India’s title-winning campaign was built on a balanced mix of explosive batting, crafty bowling, and tactical brilliance. Players like Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh played pivotal roles, while the team’s ability to perform under pressure made them the standout side of the season.
Heading into WCL 2025, the India Champions are regarded as the team to beat.
The India Champions franchise, one of the most celebrated teams in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), is owned and managed by a dynamic trio—Sumant Bahl, Salman Ahmed, and Jaspal Bahra. Together, they bring a powerful mix of global media experience, financial expertise, and sports entertainment vision to the table.
Sumant Bahl is a renowned media entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in launching major television channels like Star Movies, Zee Cinema, HBO, and Cartoon Network across India and Europe. He is also the co-founder of Grace Entertainment in the UK, known for producing over 100 high-profile shows and events.
Salman Ahmed is a prominent name in investment and sports entertainment, widely respected for his ability to blend strategic business thinking with cricket’s emotional appeal. His focus is on taking Indian cricket’s nostalgia-driven legacy global.
Jaspal Bahra is a financial expert and investment banker, who has also been a key promoter of major entertainment and sports events at London’s iconic O2 Arena. His background in structuring large-scale events and his passion for cricket make him a natural fit for the India Champions setup.
Together, the trio has created a franchise that not only celebrates India’s cricketing legends but also connects deeply with fans worldwide through strategic entertainment and commercial ventures.
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