Hardik Pandya Completes India’s Playing XI for Champions Trophy, Says Kamran Akmal

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal and India’s Suresh Raina highlight Hardik Pandya’s pivotal role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign.

Islamabad [Pakistan], January 20: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has hailed Hardik Pandya as the lynchpin of India’s playing XI for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, calling him “remarkable” with both bat and ball.

Pandya, who was a key player for India during the 2023 ODI World Cup, is set to return to action after an injury sidelined him during the tournament. His all-round abilities make him indispensable to the team, according to Akmal.

“Hardik Completes India’s XI”
“The main player in the Indian team, without whom the playing XI is incomplete, is Hardik Pandya. He is my favourite. He is remarkable with the bat and the ball. He finishes the game as well,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

The star all-rounder has played 86 ODIs, scoring 1,769 runs at an average of 34.01, with 11 fifties and a best score of 92 not out. As a bowler, he has claimed 84 wickets at an average of 35.23, with best figures of 4/24.

Suresh Raina’s Endorsement
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina also emphasized Pandya’s significance for the Champions Trophy, particularly in tandem with spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
“The most important role will be Hardik Pandya’s—when he bowls and whether he bowls in tandem with Kuldeep Yadav,” Raina stated on Star Sports Press Room.

India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
India, led by Rohit Sharma, will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign under a hybrid model. Matches will be hosted in Pakistan and the UAE, with India playing its games in Dubai. The tournament, featuring eight teams and 15 matches, will take place from February 19 to March 9.

India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

  • Rohit Sharma (C)
  • Shubman Gill (VC)
  • Virat Kohli
  • Shreyas Iyer
  • KL Rahul (WK)
  • Hardik Pandya
  • Axar Patel
  • Washington Sundar
  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Jasprit Bumrah
  • Mohammed Shami
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • Rishabh Pant
  • Ravindra Jadeja

Tournament Details:
India’s matches will follow a hybrid schedule, with fixtures in the UAE, including their highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23.


Tags: Hardik Pandya role, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India cricket squad, Kamran Akmal praises Pandya, Suresh Raina insights, Rohit Sharma captaincy, India vs Pakistan

#HardikPandya #ICCTrophy #IndiaCricket #RohitSharma #ShubmanGill #ChampionsTrophy #CricketIndia #BCCI

Sports Desk

Recent Posts

Israel Reports Injury As Missile Debris Falls

Bahrain says it intercepted dozens of missiles and drones amid escalating Iran conflict March 6,…

13 hours ago

BJP, Congress Issue Whip For MPs

Parties direct Lok Sabha members to attend Parliament as Budget Session resumes on March 9…

14 hours ago

Rahul Gandhi Calls Politics An ‘Unpleasant Job’

Congress leader tells students public life demands resilience, values and readiness to face hardships March…

14 hours ago

Boost Immunity Naturally: Ayurvedic Tips From Ashwagandha to Warm Foods

In traditional Indian medicine, immunity is deeply connected with overall body balance. According to Ayurveda,…

15 hours ago

Post-Holi Skin Care: Dermatologist Suggests Simple 4-Step Routine to Repair Your Skin

After the vibrant celebrations of Holi, many people are left dealing with colour stains, dryness,…

15 hours ago

US War On Iran Costs $3.7 Billion In 100 Hours

Think tank analysis highlights soaring military expenses as conflict enters its first week March 6,…

15 hours ago