NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has heaped praise on stalwart Virat Kohli and young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal in the build-up to the Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking to Star Sports, Raina highlighted the unique mindset that makes Kohli an exceptional leader and player.
He described Kohli as a teammate who is “always on the switch,” underlining his relentless preparation, fielding passion, and a never-give-up attitude typical of North India.
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Raina admired Kohli’s ability to inspire others, noting, “His mindset is very different. He is, as I said, I think good team mate to have in a dressing room but he is always switched on. When he practices, he has a different preparation, when he does fielding, whenever the chips are down, he will be the first person to come and say, let’s fight, let’s do fielding.”
Kohli’s attitude, coupled with his intense commitment to excellence, has earned him a reputation as a leader who thrives under pressure.
“I really enjoyed fielding with him because his passion is different because when he is in the mood for fielding and diving, everyone’s attitude changes. Virat, he has the talent and he is a little different in North India. When we come from there, we can’t bear to lose. We don’t know how to lose. We won’t leave till we die. That’s the kind of attitude he has,” he added.
Raina also reserved special accolades for Jaiswal, the young batting prodigy included in the squad for the ODI Champions Trophy.
Despite his limited experience in ODIs, Jaiswal’s hunger for runs and his inspiring journey to international cricket stood out. “I think that boy is very hungry for runs. I mean, whenever we see his story, I think he has come to that level very eagerly. Hats off to the selectors, especially Rohit Sharma. Without playing ODI, you are taking that boy to the Champions Trophy. You know that he does a lot of hard work, dedication is very good,” Raina remarked.
“He has a different attitude in his eyes, he has a different patience. It seems that this boy has come prepared. This is the beauty of Indian cricket. If you work hard and you have the passion to represent the country, then there will be some power that will tell you to go and represent the country. Rohit has done this with Yashasvi.”
The 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, led by Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as vice-captain, features a mix of experience and youth.
It includes key players like Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from an injury, and spin all-rounders such as Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
India’s Champions Trophy campaign kicks off on February 20 in Dubai, with high-octane clashes against Pakistan and New Zealand to follow.
