Aakash Chopra picks CT 2025 Team of the Tournament, snubs Rohit Sharma, includes 6 Kiwis

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has revealed his Best XI for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 based on standout performances in the tournament. The cricketer-turned-commentator picked just three players from India, who are unbeaten so far and included six players from New Zealand.

The Champions Trophy will conclude with the final match between India and New Zealand. This summit clash will be played in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. Rohit Sharma's side defeated Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final, while the Kiwis secured a 50-run win over South Africa to reach the final.

Ben Duckett's Team Lost All Three Matches - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra selected England’s Ben Duckett as the first opener in his Best XI. Chopra acknowledged that England lost all three of their matches and added that it was not Duckett's fault.

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"The first player I have picked is Ben Duckett. His team lost all three matches, but it's not his mistake. He scored 165 runs (against Australia) and took the team to 350. Ben Duckett looked good in the second match as well and was batting decently before he got out in the third match. He played only three matches. So I am giving him the benefit of doubt," he said (1:55).

Let's Not Ask a Question at No. 3 - Aakash Chopra

Chopra picked New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra as the second opener. He noted that Ravindra missed the start of the tournament but made an impact upon his return. He backed Virat Kohli for the No. 3 spot, stating that there was no debate about his selection.

"I have kept Rachin Ravindra alongside him. He didn't play at the start as he was injured. However, he scored two centuries once he played. A century in the semi-finals, I think that sealed the deal for Rachin Ravindra," he reasoned.

"Let's not ask a question at No. 3 and move forward - Virat Kohli. He scored a century against Pakistan in a chase. Then he scored 84 runs in the semi-final. He has played at a strike rate of 83 because 300 runs are not being scored in Dubai," Chopra observed.

Aakash Chopra Snubs KL Rahul, Axar Patel from Best XI of 2025 Champions Trophy

Aakash Chopra picked Tom Latham as the wicketkeeper-batter. He said that KL Rahul was not considered due to his lack of runs and different batting positions. Latham scored 191 runs in four matches, including a century and a fifty, at an average of 63. Chopra picked Glenn Phillips for the No. 6 spot over Axar Patel.

To complete his top seven, Chopra included Azmatullah Omarzai. He praised Omarzai for his all-round performance. Omarzai scored 126 runs in three matches at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 104. The Afghanistan all-rounder also took seven wickets, including a match-winning five-wicket haul against England.

In the same video, Chopra picked Mitchell Santner, Varun Chakaravarthy, Matt Henry, and Mohammad Shami as four frontline bowlers. Santner picked up seven wickets in four matches, with an economy rate of 4.85. Varun and Shami took a five-wicket haul each in India's unbeaten run in the tournament.

Aakash Chopra's best XI of 2025 Champions Trophy: Ben Duckett, Rachin Ravindra, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mitchell Santner, Varun Chakaravarthy, Matt Henry, Mohammad Shami

Also read: Rajeev Shukla, Ashish Shelar to join Asian Cricket Council as BCCI increases influence ahead of Asia Cup 2025