Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has stirred excitement in the cricketing community by unveiling Team India’s strategy under Gautam Gambhir for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Chopra suggests that Gambhir is enforcing a stricter approach, indicating a significant change in the team’s tactics. This no-nonsense stance implies there will be no selective choices in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Aakash Chopra opens up about India’s strategy for Champions Trophy 2025
Chopra also noted that Gambhir is protecting his key player, Jasprit Bumrah, by resting him during the Sri Lanka tour to ensure he remains fit for important games later this year leading up to the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
Additionally, Chopra suggested that the selection of players like Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Yadav, and Patel for the Sri Lanka ODI series indicates a strategic change within the Indian cricket team.
The absence of Ravindra Jadeja and the possible debut of Harshit Rana have drawn attention, with experts predicting Rana might make his debut during the Sri Lanka tour.
Rishabh Pant’s return, after missing the 2023 ODI World Cup due to a car accident, adds complexity to the selection process, especially with KL Rahul’s strong performances in the 50-over format still making him a key figure.
As Team India prepares for their next ODI series against England in February, Gambhir aims to use the Sri Lanka series to test key players and finalize strategies for the Champions Trophy 2025. India will face England in three ODIs starting February 6.
Sri Lanka series could be a debut for Harshit Rana: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “India is now preparing for the Champions Trophy. And it’s been made very clear. In Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship, you won’t be able to do a lot of pick-and-choose series. Unless there is a legit reason. He rested Jasprit Bumrah, because he is that 24-karat gold. You have to keep it safe. And you don’t have to lose it. It’s important to keep it safe. So, apart from him, he will not give rest to anyone, especially batters.”
Chopra further added, “In this series, Shivam Dube is returning after a long time. Riyan Parag is now a part of the ODI team. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are here, but Ravindra Jadeja missed out. This series could be a debut for Harshit Rana. Rishabh Pant is back because when the 2023 ODI World Cup happened, he wasn’t there. KL Rahul played alone, and he played very well. Let’s be honest. People forget. But he played well. I mean, he got abused a lot in the final, but he still scored 66 against Australia. In short, he is also available now.”
Notably, India will next host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series from September 19 after the conclusion of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
