Team India Picks the Most Dangerous Players in the 2025 Champions Trophy
As the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy unfolds, excitement is building among cricket fans worldwide. In an Instagram video posted by the ICC, Indian cricketers Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, and Axar Patel shared their thoughts on the most dangerous players from rival teams. The trio, currently in Dubai for the tournament, discussed key opponents who could pose a significant challenge in India’s quest for the trophy.
Let’s take a closer look at their selections, their reasoning, and the road ahead for Team India in this high-stakes competition.
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Ravindra Jadeja’s Picks: Glenn Maxwell and Jos Buttler
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, a key player for India in both the batting and bowling departments, identified two formidable match-winners from Australia and England—Glenn Maxwell and Jos Buttler.
Glenn Maxwell – Australia’s X-Factor
Jadeja singled out Glenn Maxwell as one of the most dangerous players in the tournament. The Australian all-rounder is known for his explosive batting, unorthodox shot-making, and ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a game.
Maxwell’s recent performances in ICC tournaments justify Jadeja’s concerns. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he played one of the greatest knocks in cricket history—an unbeaten 201 off 128 balls against Afghanistan, leading Australia to an improbable victory. His ability to dominate spin and pace alike makes him a major threat in any conditions.
Apart from his batting, Maxwell also offers handy off-spin bowling, providing Australia with a crucial sixth bowling option. His experience in the IPL further strengthens his ability to counter Indian conditions and bowlers.
Jos Buttler – England’s Captain and Power Hitter
Jadeja also named Jos Buttler as a dangerous opponent. The England captain is one of the most destructive white-ball batters in the world, capable of taking apart any bowling attack.
Buttler’s ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish innings strongly makes him a key figure in England’s lineup. He has played numerous match-winning innings, including a stunning century in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against India, where he dismantled the Indian bowling attack with ease.
His versatility—whether opening the batting or playing a finishing role—adds further value to his presence in England’s lineup. With England aiming to reclaim their dominance in white-ball cricket, Buttler remains a key figure in their campaign.
Mohammed Shami’s Pick: Rachin Ravindra – The Rising Kiwi Star
Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami picked New Zealand’s rising star Rachin Ravindra as a major threat. Shami praised the young batter’s aggressive approach and shot-making ability, highlighting him as a player to watch in the Champions Trophy.
Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand’s Young Prodigy
Rachin Ravindra burst onto the international scene with a stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The young left-hander finished as one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers, impressing cricket pundits with his fearless strokeplay and maturity beyond his years.
His ability to play both spin and pace effectively makes him a crucial asset for New Zealand, especially in subcontinental conditions. Ravindra’s aggressive approach at the top of the order gives the Kiwis a solid platform in the powerplay, often allowing the middle order to capitalize on strong starts.
Apart from his batting, Rachin Ravindra also offers a handy left-arm spin option, adding depth to New Zealand’s bowling attack. His performances in recent ICC events suggest that he is ready to take on the best teams in the world, making him a genuine threat to India’s title hopes.
Axar Patel’s Pick: Heinrich Klaasen – South Africa’s Power Hitter
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel picked South African middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen as one of the most dangerous players in the Champions Trophy. Axar specifically mentioned Klaasen’s ability to dominate bowlers in the middle overs, which makes him a key asset for South Africa.
Heinrich Klaasen – The Middle-Order Enforcer
Klaasen has been one of South Africa’s most consistent performers in white-ball cricket over the past few years. His ability to take on spinners and pacers alike makes him a nightmare for opposition bowlers.
Axar’s choice was also influenced by a personal experience—Klaasen’s explosive half-century in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. In that match, the South African batter smashed a fiery knock, including a 24-run over against Axar Patel himself. Although India ultimately staged a dramatic comeback to win the final, Klaasen’s innings gave South Africa a significant edge in the chase.
His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and play innovative shots across the field makes him a crucial cog in South Africa’s batting lineup. With South Africa often struggling to perform in ICC knockouts, Klaasen could be the player who changes their fortunes this time around.
India’s Next Challenge: A Crucial Clash Against New Zealand
As the Champions Trophy group stage nears its conclusion, Team India is preparing for a crucial encounter against New Zealand on Sunday, March 2. The winner of this match will secure the top spot in Group A, which could have a significant impact on the semi-final matchups.
New Zealand has been one of India’s toughest opponents in ICC tournaments. The Kiwis have a history of knocking India out of major events, including the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final. However, India will be determined to break that streak and assert their dominance.
With Rachin Ravindra in top form and the experienced Kane Williamson and Trent Boult leading the Kiwi lineup, this match promises to be a thrilling contest.
Aakash Chopra’s Take: India Should Aim for No. 1 Spot
Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has urged Team India to aim for the No. 1 spot in their group, ensuring a favorable semi-final matchup.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra discussed the potential challenges India could face in the knockout stage. He acknowledged that a semi-final clash against Australia is highly likely, given the tournament standings.
India vs. Australia – A Potential Semi-Final Rematch
If India finishes at the top of Group A, they could face Australia in the semi-finals—a team that defeated them in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. However, Chopra believes that India has what it takes to overcome the Australians this time.
“Yes, we lost the World Cup final to them, but we also defeated them in the league stage,” Chopra noted.
He emphasized that while Australia’s bowling attack is strong, it is not unbeatable. India has enjoyed recent success against them, including victories in:
• The 2023 ODI World Cup league stage
• The 2024 T20 World Cup final
• A bilateral ODI series in South Africa
With the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah in top form, Chopra is confident that India can exact revenge if they face Australia in the semi-finals.
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Conclusion: India’s Road to the Champions Trophy Title
As Team India progresses through the 2025 Champions Trophy, their focus remains on identifying key threats and delivering strong performances. With Jadeja, Shami, and Axar highlighting the most dangerous players from rival teams, India is well aware of the challenges ahead.
With a crucial match against New Zealand coming up and a potential semi-final clash against Australia, the Men in Blue must bring their A-game to lift the trophy. If they can overcome their toughest rivals, they could be on track to claim yet another ICC title.
Will India rise to the occasion and conquer the Champions Trophy? Cricket fans eagerly await the answer.
