The former Pakistan cricketer has identified India’s leading player in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on February 19, bringing together eight of the best cricketing nations to compete for the prestigious title.
This edition of the tournament, which is primarily hosted by Pakistanthey will see India playing all their matches in United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the hybrid model due to political tensions. As the defending champions from the 2013 edition, India enter this tournament with a strong squad, led by captain Rohit Sharma and co-captain Shubman Gill. With a blend of experience and youth, the Men in Blue are determined to win the trophy again and reassert their dominance in world cricket.
India’s key player for Champions Trophy 2025
Recently, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal shared his thoughts on Hardik Pandya during a live session on his YouTube channel.
“The main player in the Indian team, without him the playing XI is incomplete is Hardik Pandya,” Kamran said.
Akmal further emphasized how vital Pandya’s role is to India’s chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy. “He is my favorite, he is outstanding with the bat and the ball. And he finishes the game,” Akmal concluded.
His comments underscore the significant influence Hardik has on India’s overall strategy. His performances are not only valuable, but indispensable, especially in high-pressure tournament matches.
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Unforgettable performances against Pakistan in ODI format
Hardik had some memorable performances against Pakistan from 2017 to 2023. In T20Is, he played 7 matches and scored 209 runs at an impressive average of 69.66, with an individual best of 87. His strike rate in those matches was 132.27 , showing his ability to accelerate changes. With the ball, Hardik also contributed, picking up key wickets, figures of 2/34 being one of his standout performances.
In these games he bowled 41.5 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 5.13 and an average of 26.87. Hardik’s versatility allowed him to excel with both bat and ball, making him a key player in India’s strategy against Pakistan during this period. His performances included impressive batting, solid bowling and critical breakthroughs, which contributed significantly to India’s successes in crucial matches against their arch-rivals.
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