The schedule for the Champions Trophy has been announced before starting the new year. With the announcement of the Champions Trophy dates, discussions have heated up, and all teams have started their preparations. The matches between India and Pakistan, as well as India’s journey to the semi-finals and finals, will be held in the UAE. The rest of Team India’s matches will also occur there, with the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match (IND vs PAK Champions Trophy 2025) scheduled for February 23.
Meanwhile, regarding Team India’s squad, Aakash Chopra, a Former player of India has named his picks for the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. He has also shared his choices for the captain and opening pair.
Rohit Sharma: Captain and Opener
Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma has been in tremendous form, scoring 754 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53.9 with a strike rate of 128.9. With such impressive numbers, he is the obvious choice as both captain and opener.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Shubman Gill for Opener
Shubman Gill has managed 411 runs in 12 matches at an average of 37.4 since the 2023 World Cup, which is not very special. Considering this, Yashasvi Jaiswal deserves a spot in the team as an opener, and Aakash Chopra has included him in his squad.
Virat Kohli at No. 3
Virat Kohli has been unstoppable, scoring 823 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 74.8 since the 2023 ODI World Cup. He remains a vital part of the team.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the Middle Order
Shreyas Iyer has scored 620 runs in 15 innings at an average of 51.7, proving his reliability in the middle order. KL Rahul has also performed exceptionally, scoring 560 runs in 14 matches at an average of 56, making him a strong choice for the squad.
Rishabh Pant as the Wicketkeeper
In his ODI career, Rishabh Pant has played 27 matches and scored 871 runs at an average of 35. He remains a solid option for the wicketkeeper-batter role.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja
Hardik Pandya, who was vice-captain during the 2023 World Cup and has shown consistent performance in domestic cricket, is an essential inclusion. Ravindra Jadeja, with his all-around abilities, is also a key player in the playing XI.
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel
Both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are valuable spin options for the team and are included in Aakash Chopra’s picks.
Fast Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj bring exceptional experience and skill to the pace attack. Young pacer Arshdeep Singh is also a part of the squad for his promising abilities.