R Ashwin picks his Team of 2025 Champions Trophy; includes 4 Indians
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently revealed his Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Champions Trophy held in Pakistan and Dubai. His lineup featured four players from the championship-winning Indian team, namely Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Kohli’s stellar performances stood out in the tournament, with his match-winning centuries against Pakistan and Australia. Iyer also impressed with his consistency, scoring 243 runs at an average of 48.60. Meanwhile, Varun and Kuldeep showcased their spin-bowling prowess, finishing as leading wicket-takers for India.
Ashwin’s opening pair consisted of Rachin Ravindra and Ben Duckett, with the former emerging as the tournament’s top run-scorer. Australian Josh Inglis and South African David Miller were slotted in at No.5 and 6 for their impactful centuries in crucial matches. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell were chosen as the all-rounders, with Matt Henry as the specialist pacer.
Mitchell Santner was named as the 12th Man in Ashwin’s Team of the Tournament. In contrast, the ICC’s official lineup included five Indian players, with Kohli, Iyer, and Varun making the cut. However, they opted for KL Rahul and Mohammed Shami over Kuldeep. The ICC’s team also featured Ibrahim Zadran, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner instead of Duckett, Inglis, and Miller.
Overall, both Ashwin and the ICC acknowledged the standout performances of Indian players in the Champions Trophy. The competition showcased the talent and skill of cricketers from various nations, making it an exciting and memorable event for fans worldwide.
