Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has showered rich praise on stalwart Virat Kohli and young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Speaking to Star Sports, Raina emphasized the unique mindset that makes Kohli an exceptional leader and player. He admires Kohli’s nature of being always switched on, highlighting his relentless preparation, fielding passion, and a never-give-up attitude.

"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," Raina said.

"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 had special accolades reserved for Jaiswal, who has been included in India’s Champions Trophy squad despite his non-appearance in ODIs as yet.

For Raina, 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 said.

"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," he further remarked.

India’s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy features a mix of experience and youth. While Rohit Sharma will lead the Men in Blue in the marquee event, Shubman Gill has been named his deputy.

It includes ace pacers Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently recovering from a back injury, and spin all-rounders such as Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.