The cricketing world is buzzing because the ninth version of the ICC Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, 2025, in Pakistan and UAE. The event, dubbed the “Mini World Cup,” returns after an eight-year hiatus, with defending champions Pakistan set to face New Zealand within the opener at Karachi’s Nationwide Stadium. Amid the anticipation, former Indian off-spinner and 2013 Champions Trophy winner Ravichandran Ashwin has made headlines together with his daring predictions for the semi-finalists and crew rankings.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s semifinal picks: A mixture of logic and shock
Group A: India and New Zealand to dominate
The event’s Group A options India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Ashwin has backed India and New Zealand to advance to the knockout stage, sidelining hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh. He rated each India and New Zealand at 85/100 for his or her squad power and steadiness, citing India’s familiarity with Dubai’s hybrid-model situations as a crucial benefit. Nonetheless, he expressed concern over India’s reliance on toss outcomes in Dubai, the place day-night situations drastically alter gameplay.
New Zealand, regardless of lacking veteran pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, earned reward for his or her skilled spin assault led by Mitchell Santner. Ashwin highlighted their adaptability on his You Tube channel content material, stating, “New Zealand is without doubt one of the challengers to India”.
Group B: Australia and England’s resilience
In Group B (Australia, England, Afghanistan, South Africa), Ashwin picked Australia and England as semi-finalists. Regardless of Australia’s damage woes—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis are absent—he emphasised their knack for “bringing their A-game” in ICC occasions. Steven Smith’s management and batting firepower with Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell might offset bowling vulnerabilities.
England, ranked third at 81/100, earned Ashwin’s confidence resulting from their aggressive model, although he questioned their consistency on slower Pakistani pitches. Afghanistan, ranked fifth at 70/100, was dubbed a darkish horse however deemed unlikely to surpass the semifinal barrier.
Additionally READ: Successful proportion of all groups in Champions Trophy historical past
Staff rankings: A stark actuality examine
Ashwin’s rankings laid naked the perceived gaps in squad high quality:
- Prime Tier: India and New Zealand (85/100)
- Contenders: England (81), Australia (78)
- Underdogs: Afghanistan (70), South Africa (68), Pakistan (55), Bangladesh (40)
Pakistan’s low rating (55/100) raised eyebrows, particularly as defending champions. Ashwin pointed to inconsistent performances and an absence of steadiness, leaving them weak regardless of house benefit. Bangladesh’s 40/100 mirrored their struggles in high-pressure tournaments.
Jasprit Bumrah: India’s lacking X-factor
Ashwin reserved particular point out for Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, which he believes price India the next score.
“I’ll give them 85. I might have given India a 90 had Bumrah been there as a result of India is totally totally different with him within the combine. The one concern for India, in my opinion, is that every one their video games are in Dubai,” he said, emphasizing the pacer’s capability to disrupt opposition methods. Bumrah’s alternative, Harshit Rana, faces immense strain to fill the void.
The spinner additionally flagged India’s Dubai-centric schedule as a double-edged sword: whereas situations mimic house benefit, dropping tosses might drive India to bat first on tough daytime pitches.
“Let’s say we lose all three tosses and are put into bat first as a result of it’s chalk and cheese between day and evening at this venue. So, if opponents bat beneath lights, this 85 may begin dropping,” Ashwin cautioned.
Australia’s champion DNA vs. Pakistan’s house turf
Whereas Ashwin excluded Pakistan from his semifinal listing, he acknowledged their historic prowess in ICC occasions. Nonetheless, their latest type and squad depth fell quick in comparison with Australia’s “champion DNA.” Australia’s capability to thrive beneath strain, led by Smith’s tactical acumen, makes them perennial threats regardless of accidents.
The 2025 Champions Trophy guarantees drama, from India’s quest for redemption to New Zealand’s spin-driven problem and Australia’s resilience. Ashwin’s predictions hinge on adaptability, management, and dealing with strain—parts that would redefine rankings and reputations.
