‘We as fans miss out on…’ WATCH: Jonty Rhodes expresses his excitement to watch India vs Pakistan during Champions Trophy 2025

Former South African star Jonty Rhodes is in India for an event. Rhodes spoke to IANS and expressed his excitement in watching the India vs Pakistan game during the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. The massive game is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 23rd February. 

Jonty Rhodes said, “You know, fortunately, I am not too involved in the politics of cricket. I am a big fan of the game; I am just happy that India are going to be playing Pakistan in this Champions Trophy because that sort of game, if it’s not taking place, we as fans lose out a great deal.”

Delhi: Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes on Champions Trophy 2025 says, "...I’m just happy that India will be playing Pakistan in this Champions Trophy. When a game like that doesn’t happen, we, as fans, miss out on something truly special" pic.twitter.com/5GIev4PXpA

— IANS (@ians_india) January 11, 2025

Team India will play all their games in Dubai after the Pakistan Cricket Board agreed to the hybrid model. The move comes after India refused to tour across the border, staying firm on the stance they had taken for the last 16 years. Rohit Sharma’s side is placed with Pakistan along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. 

Aakash Chopra says uncapped bowler set to be picked ahead of Ravindra Jadeja 

Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra, during his YouTube chat, said that Varun Chakravarthy could be picked for Champions Trophy 2025. The 33-year-old picked a fifer during the Vijay Hazare game against Rajasthan and has been in fine form so far. Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, is under the selection scanner after inconsistent performances during the Australian tour. 

The 47-year-old said, “Varun Chakaravarthy is picking up wickets one after the other. He has done well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy also. He took a five-wicket haul against Rajasthan and has been continuously doing well. Since he has returned to the Indian T20I team, he has been picking up wickets every single time."

Aakash Chopra also said, “The rumour market is hot; the Indian cricket atmosphere has become like that as we get a lot of source-based news and a few of them come true, that Varun Chakaravarthy could be picked for the Champions Trophy. If he gets picked, who will go out?—Ravindra Jadeja. That's what I have been hearing."