Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has revealed his predicted Pakistan taking part in XI for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, making a notable option to place Babar Azam at No. 3 within the batting order. Chopra shared his insights in a video on his YouTube channel, highlighting Pakistan’s strengths and potential methods for the match, which is ready to be performed in Pakistan and Dubai beginning February 19.
Aakash Chopra predicts Pakistan’s taking part in XI
Chopra’s predicted XI contains Saud Shakeel partnering with Fakhar Zaman as openers, adopted by Babar at No. 3, Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4, after which Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed. This choice sees Babar – who batted as an opener within the latest matches – transferring down the order, with Saud Shakeel given a possibility on the high.
“What is going to their predicted XI be like? I’m considering Saud Shakeel with Fakhar Zaman as Saim Ayub just isn’t there now. Babar Azam at No. 3, Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4, after which Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed,” stated Chopra.
Key observations
Babar Azam’s position: Chopra emphasised the significance of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan because the mainstays of Pakistan’s batting lineup. He famous that Pakistan’s success is carefully linked to Babar’s efficiency, who has amassed greater than 6,000 runs in ODIs at a formidable common.
“They’re nonetheless reliant quite a bit on Babar Azam – 6000 ODI runs and the velocity at which he has reached this far. Babar Azam’s performances and Pakistan’s wins are close-knit to one another. He and Mohammad Rizwan are their batting mainstays,” the ex-India opener added.
Saud Shakeel as opener: Chopra’s selection of Shakeel as opener is especially noteworthy, suggesting a recent strategy to Pakistan’s top-order batting.
Additionally READ: Ahmed Shehzad slams Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan for taking ‘brainless decision’ ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
All-rounders: Chopra believes Pakistan are aiming to play a number of all-rounders, wanting batting depth as much as No. 8 or 9, together with spin-bowling all-rounders1. He expects their batting to revolve round Babar and Rizwan.
Gamers to observe
Chopra recognized three gamers who can be underneath further scrutiny throughout the Champions Trophy:
- Saud Shakeel: Followers wish to see him play extensively.
- Khushdil Shah: To evaluate whether or not his T20 all-rounder capabilities translate to ODIs.
- Abrar Ahmed: As a barely underrated participant who many are but to see or play towards.
“There will likely be a bit of further deal with three gamers – Saud Shakeel as a result of we are going to correctly see him taking part in for the primary time, Khushdil Shah as a result of he’s a confirmed all-rounder in T20s, he has a golden arm as nicely, however can he try this job in ODIs, and Abrar Ahmed as he’s barely underrated and never many individuals have seen him or performed towards him,” the Delhi-lad added additional.
Chopra additionally expects Pakistan to succeed in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 in the event that they carry out to their potential. Nevertheless, he added that to succeed in the knockouts, they would want to beat a minimum of certainly one of New Zealand and India, as he doesn’t count on Bangladesh to win a recreation towards them.
