Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra spoke about the most important players for Team India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. What caught the attention of many was that he did not mention the name of Jasprit Bumrah and went with Hardik Pandya, saying that if he does not play, the team will not do well.

The Indian National Cricket Team recently announced their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team will be led by Rohit Sharma, and the team is full of match winners, including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and others.

India recently announced their squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Both contributed a lot to the team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and are expected to do the same in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India National Cricket Team will play all their matches in Dubai and the first match will be played at. 20 February against Bangladesh National Cricket Team.

Although Jasprit Bumrah has been mentioned in the squad, nothing is certain about his development. He will be missing the England cricket team’s list, and it is not clear whether he will play all the matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in the Hybrid format.

The Indian National Cricket team has selected only three players in the team, and Hardik is the bowler. Therefore, Pandya becomes very important for the team in this tournament as he has to play a very important role for the team with both bat and ball if the team has to enjoy a chance to win the tournament.

If Hardik Pandya is not in the team, for whatever reason, you cannot play well with 11 players in your team – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra has rated Pandya as the most valuable player in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 team. He feels that if the all-rounder is not playing, then the Indian National Cricket Team will suffer. Speaking to Star Sports, the cricketer said:

“At this point, if you ask me a question, who is the most important player in this team? Who is your most important player? Before Bumrah, I will take Hardik Pandya’s name. Because if Hardik Pandya is not in this team, for whatever reason, you cannot play well with 11 players. in your team 100%.

Hardik Pandya is the only boy who is a fast bowler – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra highlighted the challenges the team faces if Pandya does not play. He said that with the announced team, all the players are important players. He explained that:

“Because you only play two fast bowlers suddenly. Then you play three fast bowlers, then you will play two spinners and three fast bowlers. Your batting is limited. Hardik Pandya is the only guy who has fast pace. And I think we will need a lot of fast ball here.”

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar’s advice on Virat Kohli’s end, Rohit Sharma’s performance after CT