Shreyas Iyer’s recent IPL innings set an example of selflessness in T20 cricket. He was one hit away from hitting his first IPL century, but he chose not to keep the strike and instead concentrated on what was better for the team. Iyer's decision illustrates the attitude of T20 cricket: get as many runs as possible without caring about putting personal goals.

Aakash Chopra brought out what Iyer did differently, contrasting it with how players in the modern game have used the opportunity of getting set to change the course of the game for themselves. The lesson, as always, in a short, fast-paced version of the game like T20 is that it is always better to look out for the bigger picture. The importance of individual achievement should come after the team’s.

Iyer was only one hit away from his first IPL century. Didn’t get the strike thereafter. Didn’t ask for it either. And it’s set a nice example for everyone.
T20 cricket is all about maximising every ball…whoever is hitting, keeps hitting. No personal milestones are bigger than…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 26, 2025

Also Read: Yuzi and Dhanashree’s divorce: The reason behind their separation!

The game as such has witnessed the sad picture of players in the chases, slowing down in an attempt to reach set milestones, and there are so many attempts made, but what came out was the best team-oriented result. Iyer’s innings is strikingly typical and doesn’t reflect that simplistic ethos of cricket, where every run scored is deemed to be better than a personal milestone. His decision to not engage in strike farming indicates the mindset of the wearer of the modern game: wider game picture thinking.

Chopra didn’t name names; however, it sparked a whole new debate about younger players, most especially more experienced players who the statement was about, and whether the whole “farming the strike” debate is really about Kohli and other senior players.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction 6th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Regardless of comparisons, Iyer’s act of putting the team first is a commendable example for upcoming cricketers. It reinforces that while centuries are celebrated, true greatness lies in playing selfless cricket that benefits the entire team.

IPL tournament is just 5 days ago and the excitement for it is at its peak. Champions Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campgain against Rcb in the season opener in Kolkata. They were the IPL champions of past edition and in this edition they are entering as favorite but there is a change in this edition. Last year Kolkata was captained by Shreyas Iyer who has left the franchise and bought by Punjab Kings for 26.5 crores. 

Due to his absence Kolkata had bought experienced Ajinkya Rahane for 1.5 crores and made him the captain of the team. Rahane being the captain of test and odi side and even led teams in IPL so he has the vast experience in captaincy and team handling but there comes Aakash Chopra former cricketer and analyst with his intresting questions. 

Read More: Ajinkya Rahane To Create History By Leading KKR

Aakash reflects Batter Rahane Has an Issue

Aakash Chopra former cricketer has congratulated team Kolkata for buying Rahane and he hailed him for his services which he had provided to the team. But he has the problem why Rahane has been made the captain of the team where it reflects his batting position. Its decimated that Rahane has been a great team man but it conflicts it when he becomes the captain of the team. Even Venky Mysore has already answered the questions for this. 

It was stated they holded Venkatesh Iyer for 23 crore and he has the captaincy skills to but in regards it was stated that due to Rahane sheild Venkatesh will learn how things goes on as Vice captain of the team. You have made him the captain now what will be his batting position asks the vetren commentator. Its absolutely fine but what will be the position of him you can only play him at top. 

Read More: Saurav Ganguly Promo For Netflix Series Khakee Steals The Show

Will KKR Cope With This Issue

Rahane at the top is really effective and when he comes down the order it makes no sense how he replicate the job of a finisher or a middle batsman, earlier you had Shreyas Iyer who was in form who won SMAT and Ranji and has experience in middle order but now you face a problem you can't let your captain deep down and it will be a added pressure on him which may lead into blunder in decision. 

Though Venkatesh may have been there for his assistance wouldn't you have believed in him and made him the captain who would been assisted by Rahane as vice-captain whereas Iyer would have, also been familiar with the pressure of the crowd and important matches? Yet Rahane too has changed a lot it's not the old Rahane who used to take time and time his shots from 2023 the striking abilities have changed and he possesses a great average in opening and number 3 so it won't be disimpacted much disclosed by the former cricketer but still it's the risk that the franchise has taken. 

Cricket expert and ex-Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently chose his combined India-Pakistan XI. But his choice left many fans stunned, as all eleven members of his team were Indians. No Pakistani cricketer was included in his team .

Aakash Chopra’s Combined XI:

• Shubman Gill (India)
• Rohit Sharma (C) (India)
• Virat Kohli (India)
• Shreyas Iyer (India)
• KL Rahul (India)
• Axar Patel (India)
• Hardik Pandya (India)
• Ravindra Jadeja (India)
• Kuldeep Yadav (India)
• Mohammed Shami (India)
• Harshit Rana (India

Why Not Pakistan Players?
Most cricket enthusiasts anticipated the inclusion of best Pakistani players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan in the team. Chopra, however, considered recent performances and current form while selecting his team.

Babar Azam, the world's best batsman, is a sure bet for any combined XI. Shaheen Afridi with his pace and swing has given many top batsmen trouble. Mohammad Rizwan is a sound wicketkeeper-batsman with a good record in T20 and ODI cricket. They were not picked by Chopra for his XI despite their caliber.

Aakash Chopra picks Current Combined India-Pakistan XI:

1. Shubman Gill.
2. Rohit Sharma (C).
3. Virat Kohli.
4. Shreyas Iyer.
5. KL Rahul.
6. Axar Patel.
7. Hardik Pandya.
8. Ravindra Jadeja.
9. Kuldeep Yadav.
10. Mohammed Shami.
11. Harshit Rana. pic.twitter.com/cHbPcdzHWJ

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 25, 2025

ALSO READ:Virat Kohli Would Have Been Given Out For Obstructing The Field An Opportunity Missed By Pakistan

Analysis of Chosen Player

•   Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are arguably one of the finest opening pairs of international cricket at the moment.
• Virat Kohli is yet a significant player with all the experience he carries and the capability to win games.
• Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are the rock of the middle order.
• Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja provide all-around talent, including both batting and bowling strengths.
• Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami have been excellent with the ball.
• Harshit Rana is a new recruit, who has been very promising as a pacer.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is always heated, but this time it wasn't the match alone that was in the limelight andit was the commentary.

Sarfaraz : "Riwaz allah ka jap kar rahe hain"

Aakash Chopra : "Rohit Mahamrityunjay kar rahe hain"

Raina: "Virat Mahadev Bhakt hain and Abhi Mahashivratri bhi hain"

We got Mahadev vs Allah in commentary 😭 #INDvsPAK

— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) February 23, 2025

Short Video of this -pic.twitter.com/bA3Ni12GKT

— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) February 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Hardik Pandya celebration after dismissing Babar Azam

During the match, Sarfaraz Ahmed said, "Riwaz Allah ka jap kar rahe hain," meaning religious rituals. Aakash Chopra retorted with, "Rohit Mahamrityunjay kar rahe hain," associating it with Hindu prayers. Suresh Raina then joined in, "Virat Mahadev Bhakt hain and abhi Mahashivratri bhi hain."

The conversation quickly went viral, with fans reacting in different ways. Some saw it as a fun and unique moment, while others felt that cricket commentary should stay focused on the game.

Social media has been buzzing with debates—should religious references be a part of sports commentary, or should broadcasters avoid them altogether?

What’s your take on this?

Feeling that 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is going to be a real big bang that will excite each of its game fans around the world, the cricket experts have already made their bets on who of them will be the champions who will top the lists on who will be the best batsmen and bowlers of the tournament. Since the best athletes from all over the world will participate in this contest, there are going to be a lot of exciting solo performances. The following is what some of the most highly respected analysts shared their views:

Experts Predictions for Champions Trophy 2025 for Runs & Wickets Leaders :

ALSO SEE: If AI Created the Perfect Cricket Team for the Champions Trophy

STAR SPORTS EXPERT PREDICTION FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY MOST RUNS & WICKETS:

Kevin Pietersen - Klaasen & Adil Rashid.
Murali Vijay - Shubman Gill & Rashid Khan
Aakash Chopra - Shubman Gill.
Sanjay Bangar - Virat Kohli & Kuldeep Yadav
Deep Dasg1upta - Virat Kohli & Rashid Khan pic.twitter.com/8m2HmCRzMI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 19, 2025

Thoughts on 2025 Champions Trophy :

The fans of cricket should look forward to intense matches and individual battles between the best teams as the 2025 Champions Trophy draws near. The expert opinion based on their watchfulness, correct predictions, and critical predictions may illustrate the most outstanding players at the end of the day. However, the natural of the game is that it is a game of uncertainty which means that the judgments become untrue will appear in reality. Are there any champions out there that were underestimated and went up to the top or will whatever prognosticators put out really stick? It will only be a matter of time to see who comes up on top.

Ex-India opener Aakash Chopra has selected Pakistan's projected Playing XI for the coming Champions Trophy. In an unexpected turn of events, he shifted Babar to No. 3 following his opening stint in the recent tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.

Shifting Babar Azam to No. 3 position means a position in the opening slot. Aakash Chopra believes Saud Shakeel can shift up the batting order to pair with Fakhar Zaman at the top, and that will enable Babar to bat at his preferred position.

Aakash Chopra Playing XI for theICC Champions Trophy 2025 :

ALSO SEE :  Will Abhishek Sharma Be SRH’s Next Vice-Captain in IPL 2025?

Aakash Chopra players to watch :

Aakash Chopra selected three Pakistani players who would be the ones to watch. They are Saud Shakeel, Khushdil Shah, and Abrar Ahmed. All three of them are capable of delivering spin bowling with Abrar being the specialist.Chopra opted to take a solid line-up which has good options in the bowling unit. Still, there remains some doubt over Haris Rauf's availability who suffered injury in the tri-series.Abrar Ahmed is the lone specialist spinner in the team with Salman Ali Agha also expected to help him with his off-spin bowling. Khushdil Shah can also roll his arm over as he did in the recent tri-series.

Aakash Chopra Criticizes BCCI for Sideline of Yuzvendra Chahal

In truth, Aakash Chopra, Former india cricketer, is pretty upset with how the BCCI and the team Selectors are treating Yuzvendra Chahal. It is not deniable that Chahal, who's been key in India's team for the shorter games, wasn't picked for the coming ICC Champions Trophy. To add, he's been missing from the team for almost two years, which essentially means his days playing for India might be over.

But let it be known, the last time Chahal played for India was in a game against New Zealand in January 2023, and his last game in T20s was in August 2023 against the West Indies. Since then, the 34 year old hasn't played, and there's no talk of his coming back, even though he's really proficient at what he does in the short games. In an effort to explain this subject more clearly, Chopra threw some light on this issue in a video on his YouTube channel. Mister Chopra cannot completely understand why the team would ignore Chahal especially when he's been taking many wickets in the one day internationals, with 121 wickets in 72 matches to prove it. But, the cricket board and the Selectors seem to ignore all that, not picking him for the  and also skipping him for the series against England.

ALSO READ: BCCI Stands Firm: Rohit Sharma Not to Travel to Pakistan for Captain's Meet and Photoshoot

#Cricket #TeamIndia

'Totally finished. File closed'

Former India cricketer questions @yuzi_chahal's omission from India's ODI plans https://t.co/o1Ch8Y8Ou2

— TOI Sports (@toisports) January 22, 2025

Chopra also wonders why, despite being someone who really shows up in matches, Chahal wasn't even considered to play in domestic cricket, such as in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. His not being there makes people question what the leadership is really planning. Chopra points it out straight, Yuzvendra Chahal has been finished. His file has been closed. I have no idea why they did that. It's an interesting case. Chopra thinks that keeping Chahal out of the team on purpose has been happening for a while. Even though Chahal has a good history of playing well, they haven't given him a chance to join the team again. This shows they're not truly attempting to bring him back. Chopra also mentioned that trying to put Chahal in the team now would be seen as going back since he's been gone for so long.

The fact that Chahal is not included makes Fans wonder if the team management is being fair to him and if they're making good choices for the Indian cricket team's future. You might hold credence that the manner the BCCI is dealing with Chahal, and looking after player careers, raises doubts about whether they really want to keep the team strong and well balanced.

While the BCCI announced the full member squads for the upcoming home ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 last Saturday (January 18), former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the spinners' choice. 

After the end of the five-match home T20I series against England, India will play a three-match home ODI series against England before beginning their journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 20. While both the ODI squads are the same (except for Harshit Rana’s possible inclusion only for the England series if Jasprit Bumrah remains unfit), India have four spinners with the names of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.

See Also: Inside the Lengthy Meeting: Debates on Vice-Captain and Wicketkeeper Selections

You could have picked a fast bowler: Aakash Chopra

Out of four spinners, three are known as all-rounders, while Kuldeep Yadav is the only complete spinner. Former Indian cricketer and present commentator, Aakash Chopra, feels that India could add one more fast bowler or regular spinner like Varun Chakaravarthy, instead of three spin-bowling all-rounders. 

Chopra commented on his YouTube account, "The one overriding thought or theme was who all can bat because you need a batter at No. 8. So you picked Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. You could have picked a fast bowler instead of that, and if you needed a spinner only, then you could have picked Varun Chakaravarthy. I see two of the three spin-bowling all-rounders, who all bat left-handed, playing." 

All three are defensive options in ODI cricket

Chopra feels that three spin-bowling all-rounders are the defensive options in ODI cricket. He has experienced a lack of confidence in Indian batting in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

Chopra added, "All three are defensive options in ODI cricket. We consistently saw a slight lack of confidence in batting in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We needed a batter at No. 8. So we are picking bowlers who can bat, and I feel it's the same theme this time as well, which is not a great thing because you have to show confidence in your batting. You have to pick bowlers who take wickets."

Aakash Chopra also pointed out Dubai pitches

While Pakistan is hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India will play all their matches in Dubai. Chopra also claimed that the Dubai pitches weren’t helpful for the spinners while little dew could also play a key factor, and more fast bowlers would be useful for India in those scenarios. 

The former Indian opener added that although the balls could stay low, the used pitches couldn’t bring much cracks. 

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working to finalise confirming the trading window and the IPL 2025 mega auction, one of the biggest questions for many Indian Premier League (IPL) fans is “Will Rohit Sharma continue his journey with the Mumbai Indians?” 

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is one of the greatest batters in the modern generation. The right-handed batter is the third-leading run-scorer in the IPL history with 6628 runs in 257 IPL matches. 

SEE ALSO: "I am focusing a lot on my game as an all-rounder" - Tilak Varma

Rohit Sharma is a legend for the Mumbai Indians

After joining the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2011, Rohit has played an important role in his team’s extraordinary successes. With 5731 runs in 221 matches, Rohit is the leading run-scorer of the Mumbai Indians. 

Mumbai Indians have recorded five IPL trophies and two now-defunct Champions League T20 trophies. Except for their first trophy (CLT20 2011), which was led by the former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, MI won all their next six trophies under the leadership of Rohit.

However, before the IPL 2024, MI team management decided to start a new era with the new captain, Hardik Pandya, who just rejoined the team. MI fans didn’t take that change well, while MI finished in the last position among the ten participants at the IPL 2024. However, Rohit was their leading run-scorer in that IPL season, finishing with 417 runs in 14 matches with an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150.00, including one century and one half-century. 

Although there are some reports of internal rift on the new captaincy appointment, we are now also hearing about Rohit’s possible departure from the MI ahead of the IPL 2025. 

I feel Rohit Sharma will not stay: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Rohit will not play for the Mumbai Indians anymore. He also feels that Rohit’s IPL 2025 team future will be decided during the pre-auction trading window. 

On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "Will he stay or will he go? It's a big question. Personally, I feel he will not stay. Whoever is retained will be with the thinking that he will remain with you for three years, unless your name is MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings' story is very different but Rohit Sharma at MI, I feel he might himself leave or MI might leave him."

Chopra added, "Anything can happen but I don't think Rohit is going to be retained here. I don't have any information but I feel Rohit will probably be released. He might go to someone in the trade window, that's a possibility that he doesn't go to the auction, but if that doesn't happen, he might be seen in the auction. I feel his journey with the Mumbai Indians is over.”

I don't think Suryakumar Yadav will be traded: Aakash Chopra

There are also rumours of Suryakumar Yadav’s departure from the Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2025. However, Chopra feels that the present Indian T20I captain will stay in MI. 

Chopra commented "What are you asking? I don't think Suryakumar Yadav will be traded. I haven't heard anything like that. The Mumbai Indians won't leave Suryakumar Yadav and I feel Surya also won't leave either. Surya will be there. He is not going anywhere. Na, I don't think so. Surya will remain with the team. I don't know where you have read that.

Cricket expert Aakash Chopra has identified three SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) batters to keep an eye on in their upcoming IPL 2024 match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The game is set to take place at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday, April 15. With three wins out of their first five matches, a victory against RCB would help SRH join two other teams with eight points.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra mentioned that he wouldn’t focus on any SRH bowlers in particular. Instead, he highlighted the team’s openers, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, as two players worth watching.

Chopra shares his opinion

“Let’s start with Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek Sharma has the might. He is a good player, is in excellent form and his bat is striking the ball very well. He has already won two Player of the Match awards this year. So he is a player you will have to be wary of. I am not picking even one Hyderabad bowler,” he stated.

“I am saying my second player will be Travis Head. Based on whatever we have seen, and Faf (du Plessis) has also said the same, the first six overs prove very costly for them (RCB). So if Hyderabad have to win and build proper pressure, it takes time to beat someone with force, but if you hit them mentally, the job becomes easy,” the former India opener added.

Abhishek Sharma, a young Indian talent, has been in impressive form, scoring 177 runs at a striking rate of 208.23 in five innings. Meanwhile, Australian opener Travis Head has contributed 133 runs in four games, showcasing a striking rate of 172.72.

“When they (RCB) don’t pick up a wicket and 60-70 runs are scored in the first six overs, Bengaluru concede half the match in their mind, that what will happen to them and nothing can be done. Travis Head will like this ground. Since his fifty in the first match, sparks have been seen but the proper fire hasn’t been lit, and it might get lit in this match,” he elaborated.

Chopra says for Heinrich Klaasen, “His hands might be itching…”

“The third player is Heinrich Klaasen. He didn’t get many chances to do anything in the last two matches. His hands might be itching, that he will hit now. He hits a lot in any case. He doesn’t need a reason to hit,” he said (9:05).

“If the opposing bowling is not that good, the pitch is good and the ground is small, he might hit the ball to Cubbon Park, this batter definitely has that much power,” the renowned commentator added.

See Also: Injury issues loom for Australian duo ahead of T20 World Cup

Another SRH player to watch out for is Heinrich Klaasen, who has been a powerhouse with the bat in IPL 2024. With a total of 186 runs and 17 sixes to his name, Klaasen boasts an impressive striking rate of 193.75 in five innings. Only Nicholas Pooran and Riyan Parag have hit more sixes than him in this year’s IPL.