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The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19, bringing together the top eight cricketing nations to compete for the prestigious title.
This edition of the tournament, being hosted primarily by Pakistan, will see India playing all its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a hybrid model due to political tensions. As the defending champions from the 2013 edition, India is entering this tournament with a strong squad, led by captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill. With a blend of experience and youth, the Men in Blue are determined to reclaim the trophy and stamp their dominance in world cricket once again.
India’s key player for the Champions Trophy 2025
Recently, former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter 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 favourite, he is remarkable with the bat and the ball. He finishes the game as well,” Akmal concluded.
His comments highlight the significant impact Hardik has on India’s overall strategy. His performances are not just valuable, but indispensable, especially in high-pressure tournament matches.
Also READ: Kamran Akmal picks his Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025; Saim Ayub finds place
Memorable performances against Pakistan in the ODI format
Hardik has had several 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 a best individual score of 87. His strike rate in these encounters was 132.27, showcasing his ability to accelerate the innings. With the ball, Hardik contributed as well, picking up crucial wickets, with figures of 2/34 being one of his standout performances.
He bowled 41.5 overs across these games, maintaining an economy rate of 5.13 and an average of 26.87. Hardik’s versatility allowed him to excel both with the bat and the ball, making him a key player in India’s strategy against Pakistan during this period. His performances included impactful knocks, tight bowling spells, and critical breakthroughs, which significantly contributed to India’s successes in key matches against their arch-rivals.
