Ravichandran Ashwin picks semifinalists for Champions Trophy 2025, leaves out Pakistan

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is set to begin on Wednesday, February 19, as defending champions Pakistan take on New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The legendary Ravichandran Ashwin predicted his four semifinalists for the marquee event ahead of the opening fixture.

The eight-team tournament will have two groups of four sides each. India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are pitted in Group A. Meanwhile, Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will make it to the semifinals. 

From Group A, Ashwin picked India and New Zealand to progress to the knockouts, leaving out Pakistan and Bangladesh. In Group B, the recently retired cricketer backed Ashes rivals Australia and England to make it to the semifinals. 

Ashwin also graded all eight participating teams on their squad strength and balance. New Zealand and India achieved the highest scores of 85/100 each. England and Australia came third and fourth with scores of 81 and 78, respectively. Interestingly, the 38-year-old kept Afghanistan at No. 5 with a score of 70. South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh only managed scores of 68, 55, and 40, respectively.

Ravichandran Ashwin's semifinal picks:

I would have given India a 90 had Bumrah been there: Ashwin

Ashwin said that he would have given India 90 out of 100 had Jasprit Bumrah been available to play in the competition. The star pacer has been ruled out of the tournament with a back injury.

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"I'll give them 85. I would given India a 90 had Bumrah been there because India is completely different with him in the mix. The only concern for India in my view is that all their games are in Dubai. Let's say we lose all three tosses and are put into bat first because it's chalk and cheese between day and night at this venue. So if opponents bat under lights, this 85 might start dropping," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.