ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Not Jasprit Bumrah or Virat Kohli! AB de Villiers picks India's X-Factor

South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has picked Kuldeep Yadav as the X-factor for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will commence on February 19. While star players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to play key roles, AB de Villiers has backed Kuldeep Yadav as the X-factor.

Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, is ready to begin their campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy. The Indian squad is a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents. Team India will carry high expectations for the upcoming 50-over tournament, having finished as runner-up in the previous edition in 2017.

Kuldeep Yadav Can Prove to Be an X-Factor for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025- AB de Villiers

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers said that Kuldeep Yadav could be an X-factor for India in the Champions Trophy 2025. De Villiers stated that Kuldeep’s spin bowling could be crucial in the spin-friendly conditions of Dubai, where all of India’s matches will be played.

“Kuldeep Yadav is also in the Indian team, who I think can prove to be an X-factor for India. India is going to play its matches in Dubai. Spinners can get an advantage on the pitch there. Kuldeep can perform well for India,” AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Kuldeep Yadav Returned to Action in Uttar Pradesh's Final Group-Stage Match

Kuldeep has recovered from a groin injury that kept him out of the BGT and the home series against New Zealand. After completing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy and the BCCI Centre of Excellence, he returned to action in Uttar Pradesh's final group-stage match of the Ranji Trophy 2025.

This comeback comes just before India's ODI series against England, providing him with crucial match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy. Kuldeep, known for his deceptive variations, will strengthen India's spin attack alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar in Dubai.

Kuldeep Yadav Named in India's 15-Member Squad for the Champions Trophy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Kuldeep Yadav in India's 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy. He has taken 172 wickets in 106 matches, including two five-wicket hauls and two hat-tricks—the only Indian to achieve this feat.

India will play all their matches in Dubai, where spin-friendly conditions could work to their advantage. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. India will aim to reclaim the title they won in 2002 (jointly with Sri Lanka) and 2013 (defeating England).

Before the tournament, Rohit Sharma's side will face England in a three-match ODI series. The series will give India a chance to prepare well and try out their best combination for the Champions Trophy

Also read: Watch: Himanshu Sangwan ends Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy fairytale; gives him a fiery send-off