Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently revealed his Indian squad picks for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the preceding ODI series against England. He expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli‘s continued presence in the team.
Chopra shared his selections on his YouTube channel, basing them on India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad. He opted for Rohit Sharma as captain and opening batsman.
“Rohit Sharma as an opener and captain, without a shadow of doubt. Since the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has played 14 innings and scored 754 runs at an average of 54, with a century, five half-centuries, and a strike rate of nearly 130,” he said.
Chopra’s reasoning stemmed from Rohit’s strong performance since the 2023 World Cup. He highlighted Rohit’s impressive average, century, half-centuries, and strike rate.
Chopra also selected Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal as opening batsmen options. He acknowledged Gill’s recent dip in form while advocating for Jaiswal’s inclusion in the squad.
“Shubman Gill’s numbers have not been that good. Since the start of the World Cup, he has played 12 innings, has an average of 37.4, hasn’t scored a century, has five half-centuries, and 411 runs in total. Not good enough. Therefore, there is a case for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Whether he will be there in the XI or not, he should be in the team,” he elaborated.
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Despite a recent lean patch, Virat Kohli also secured a spot in Chopra’s squad. Chopra emphasised Kohli’s overall average and three centuries in ODIs.
“After that, Virat Kohli, there is no doubt about that. He has scored his runs at an average of 74 in 14 innings and has scored three centuries. Although he didn’t score runs in Sri Lanka, he still has an average of 74. Imagine how his World Cup would have been,” Chopra observed.
Chopra selected Hardik Pandya as the sole seam-bowling all-rounder. He pointed out Pandya’s recent participation in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies.
“Hardik Pandya has to be in the team, there is no doubt about that. He is playing the Vijay Hazare and played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well. He has played a lot of cricket because the question was that he doesn’t play,” he said.
“After that, I feel both Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be a part of the team. Axar Patel got injured (before the World Cup). His luck is so bad that they might take Nitish Kumar Reddy in his place,” Chopra observed.
Chopra advocated for the inclusion of three spinners—Jadeja, Patel, and Yadav—despite potential pitch conditions in Dubai.
“However, I am saying keep three spinners after Hardik Pandya—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. I will definitely keep three spinners although there will be a slight problem in Dubai. It will be slightly cold, and there will be a little moisture. So spin might not be used that much, but I still request you to take all three,” he added.
In the pace department, Chopra excluded Shardul Thakur, opting for Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh.
He emphasised Bumrah and Shami’s importance, particularly Shami’s inclusion if fit. He noted that Shami should also play against England.
India’s three-match ODI series against England begins on February 6th in Nagpur. The Champions Trophy starts on February 19th, with India’s first match against Bangladesh on February 20th in Dubai.