South African cricket icon AB de Villiers has identified Kuldeep Yadav as India’s ‘X factor’ for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19.
New Delhi: Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has expressed his belief that spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be a key player for India in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, will play all their matches in Dubai, beginning their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. After finishing as runners-up in the last Champions Trophy, India will carry significant expectations as they enter the 2025 tournament.
In a recent YouTube video, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers mentioned that Kuldeep Yadav, a skilled left-arm wrist spinner, has the potential to be a key player for India in the UAE.
“Kuldeep Yadav is also in the Indian team, who I think can prove to be an X-factor for India. India is going to play its matches in Dubai. Spinners can get an advantage on the pitch there. Kuldeep can perform well for India,” said de Villiers.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed their 15-player team, which includes Kuldeep Yadav, for the upcoming eight-team tournament.
The Indian cricket team will conduct all their matches in Dubai, where the conditions in the UAE are expected to favor spinners. Kuldeep’s skill in spinning the ball effectively and applying pressure may prove crucial for India’s performance in the tournament. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team is set to engage in a three-match ODI series against England as part of their preparations for the prestigious Champions Trophy.
India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper) , KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami
