Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the selection dilemma between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel for the left-arm spin all-rounder spot in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Chopra believes that both players are likely to be included and will be valuable assets to the team.
The choice between Jadeja and Patel has sparked considerable interest, as both have been instrumental for India in T20Is and ODIs, playing key roles in several crucial matches. As India prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025, selecting between them presents a significant challenge.
In recent months, Axar Patel has demonstrated his match-winning abilities in white-ball formats, earning praise for his contributions with both bat and ball. Conversely, Ravindra Jadeja has experienced a period of lower impact and has struggled to make a significant impression. While both all-rounders featured in the T20 World Cup 2024, Axar Patel was preferred by the captain for both his bowling and batting skills.
During the Sri Lanka tour, despite many senior players being included, Ravindra Jadeja was rested, and Axar Patel emerged as a key performer, making notable contributions.
Aakash Chopra suggests that both Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel could be included in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, especially if the event is held in Sri Lanka or Dubai. In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra elaborated on this perspective.
“I think both will be a part of the team because they were in the World Cup, Where will India play? They won’t play in Pakistan, right? They will play in Dubai or Sri Lanka If we are playing anywhere between these two, then we need finger spinners. And I think both will be useful there. So, I see both of them getting picked.”
I am not picking anyone – Aakash Chopra on choice between Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja
Aakash Chopra further stated that he won’t be picking anyone. But mentioned that Axar Patel of late has been ahead of Ravindra Jadeja and stated that it’s tough to pick one. He elaborated:
“I am not picking anyone. Although it is also true that Axar Patel is doing so well in all the opportunities he has got, he is not letting you down and is not making everyone think that had Jadeja been here, what would had he done? He wouldn’t have done better than Axar. This is the situation right now.”
India doesn’t have any ODIs scheduled this year now. They will next be playing against England in February before the Champions Trophy. The series will give clarity about who will be there in the team.
