Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra talks about the most valuable player for the Indian team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. What caught the attention of many was that he did not mention Jasprit Bumrah but instead picked Hardik Pandya and said that if he does not play, the team’s It won’t perform well.

The Indian national cricket team recently announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team will be captained by Rohit Sharma and is packed with match-winners including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya ), Rishabh Pant et al.

India recently announced their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad

They both played a vital role for the team in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and are expected to play the same role in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The Indian national cricket team will play all its matches in Dubai, with the first match against the Bangladesh national cricket team on February 20.

Although Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the squad, his fitness is uncertain. He will miss the series against the England national cricket team and it is unclear whether he will feature in all matches of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will be played in a hybrid format.

The Indian national cricket team has named only three pacers, with Hardik being the all-rounder. Pandya, therefore, becomes extremely important for the team in the game as he will have to play a vital role with both bat and ball if the team wants to win the game.

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

Aakash Chopra named Pandya the most valuable player in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy team. He feels that if the all-rounder is unable to play, then the Indian national cricket team will be in trouble. The cricketer-turned-commentator said in an interview with Star Sports:

“At this time, if you ask me a question, who is the most valuable player in this team? Who is your most valuable player? Before Bumrah, I would have said Hardik Pandya ) name. Because if Hardik Pandya is not in this team, a team, for whatever reason, you can’t get hundred with 11 players in the team Excellent performance.”

Hardik Pandya is the only fast bowling all-rounder – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra pointed out that if Pandya does not play in the game, the team will face difficulties. He said that as the team was announced, the all-rounder became the most valuable player. He explained:

“Because suddenly you’re bowling only two fast bowlers. Then you’re bowling three fast bowlers, then you’re bowling two spinners and three fast bowlers. Your batting becomes smaller. Hardik ·Pandya is the only one who bowls fast and I think we need a fast bowling all-rounder.”

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar hints at career end for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma after CT