Aakash Chopra gives verdict on Suryakumar Yadav's Champions Trophy 2025 participation

India’s newly-appointed T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, is currently not in consideration for the ODI squad, as confirmed by BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar during a press conference on Monday. 

Agarkar, who addressed the media alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir, stated that Surya's name wasn’t even discussed, given the return of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant to the ODI fold.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra made a significant prediction, suggesting that Surya won’t be part of the Indian team for the Champions Trophy next year. 

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra noted that since Surya isn’t traveling to Sri Lanka for the upcoming 3-match ODI series, his chances for the Champions Trophy look slim.

“Suryakumar Yadav was a part of the team that reached the final of the last (2023 ODI) World Cup. He was part of this (2024 T20) World Cup as well, the (David Miller) catch he took, but he is now not part of the ODI team,” Chopra said.

“A question was asked about that, and he said that Suryakumar Yadav is a phenomenal and special player, but he will be seen playing in T20Is only and is currently not being considered in ODIs. So if he is not being considered and the Champions Trophy is about to come, you can assume that Suryakumar Yadav won’t be seen there,” he added.

Pakistan is set to host its first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup and is making significant efforts to ensure the event’s success. However, India’s hesitation to travel for the Champions Trophy 2025 presents a substantial challenge for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).