ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli kicked aside as Aakash Chopra names India's MVP

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra talked about the most valuable player for Team India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. What caught the attention of many was he didn't name Jasprit Bumrah and went with Hardik Pandya, saying that if he didn't play, the team wouldn't perform well.

India National Cricket Team recently announced their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team will be captained by Rohit Sharma, and the squad is packed with match-winners, including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and others.

India recently announced their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

They all played a crucial role for the team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and are expected to do the same in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The India National Cricket Team will play all their games in Dubai with the first match to be played on 20th February against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team.

Although Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the squad, there is no certainty over his fitness. He will be missing the series against the England National Cricket Team, and there is no clarity if he will play all the games in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in a Hybrid model.

India National Cricket Team have named just three pacers in the team, with Hardik being the all-rounder. Hence, Pandya becomes extremely important for the team in the tournament as he will have to play a vital role for the side with bat and ball if the team has to fancy their chances of winning the tournament.

If Hardik Pandya is not in this team, for whatever reason, you can't play well with 11 players in your team - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra rated Pandya as the most valuable player in the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He feels that if the all-rounder won't be playing, then the India National Cricket Team will struggle. Speaking to Star Sports, the cricketer-turned-commentator said:

"At this point in 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'll take Hardik Pandya's name. Because if Hardik Pandya is not in this team, for whatever reason, you can't play well with 11 players in your team. 100 percent."

Hardik Pandya is the only guy who is a fast bowling all-rounder - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra pointed out the struggles that the team will be facing if Pandya doesn't play. He said that with the Team that has been announced, the all-rounder becomes the most valuable player. He explained:

"Because you'll only play two fast bowlers suddenly. Then you'll play three fast bowlers, then you'll play two spinners with three fast bowlers. Your batting becomes smaller. Hardik Pandya is the only guy who is a fast-bowling all-rounder. And I think we'll need a fast bowling all-rounder here."

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar hints at end of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s careers post-CT