Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal praised India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of 2025 Champions trophy. The marquee ICC event will be played in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 onwards.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Catch And Bat with Kamran Akmal’, the 43-year-old said Pandya is India’s most important player. Revealing that the 31-year-old is his favourite, Akmal said the Indian team was incomplete without him.
The former Pakistani cricketer also extended his greetings Hardik Pandya for his ability to contribute in both departments and finish games for the state.
“The main player in the Indian team, without whom the playing XI is incomplete, is Hardik Pandya. He is my favourite, he is outstanding with bat and ball. He also finishes matches,” said Kamran (via Times of India ).
Pandya’s all-round ability to contribute crucial overs with the ball, combined with his strong strokes with the bat, adds to the Indian team’s balance in the white-ball setup. As the Men in Blue aim for another ICC triumph, his role will be important in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina also recently spoke about the importance of Hardik in the team. Speaking further Star Sports press roomRaina said that the Indian all-rounder will play the most important role in the Champions Trophy.
“The most important role will be Hardik Pandya – when he bowls and whether he bowls in tandem with Kuldeep Yadav,” Raina said.
Hardik Pandya is in the Indian squad for the series against England
Hardik Pandya has been selected in the Indian squad for the series against England. Before the Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue host England in a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. Pandya is part of the squad for both.
While he last played a T20I match in November 2024, his last ODI appearance came during the 2023 World Cup.
The star all-rounder will want to use the games against England to get in shape and prepare for the Champions Trophy. He played a key role for India in the 2023 World Cup, where they reached the final, as well as in the 2024 World Cup. T20 World Cupwhich they won.
Being a fast bowling all-rounder, Pandya’s performance will be crucial to India’s 2025 Champions Trophy prospects.
Edited by Parag Jain
