Champions Trophy 2025: Shastri Loves Afghanistan’s Win, Gives England a Wake-Up Call
On Wednesday, February 26, Afghanistan stunned England in Lahore during the Champions Trophy 2025, and India’s former head coach Ravi Shastri jumped on social media to cheer them on big time. Meanwhile, England’s old skippers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton didn’t hold back—they tore into Jos Buttler’s captain gig after England got booted from the Champions Trophy 2025 that same day. Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton both feel Jos Buttler’s days as captain are over. After Afghanistan’s awesome win over England, Ravi Shastri didn’t just clap for them—he sent a sharp message to the English crew online too. Shastri posted on X (you know, the app we used to call Twitter), “Afghanistan: You guys are amazing. What a game! England: Get real about playing in the subcontinent—no whining.
That’s the only way you’ll look like a team that can handle the Champions Trophy. #AFGvENG #ChampionsTrophy2025.” Post-game, Jos Buttler had a chat with Michael Atherton and said he’d take some time to mull over his spot once he’s back home. On the other hand, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain reckon the captain job never really suited Jos Buttler. Jos Buttler stepped into the captain role after Eoin Morgan in mid-2022. Atherton said, “I think his captain days are up. And honestly, that feels about right.” With Jos Buttler leading, England tanked at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. Atherton added, “England’s had three rough years. The 50-over World Cup in India was a flop, the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean wasn’t much better (they made semis but couldn’t beat the big dogs), and now this mess.” Atherton kept going, “Their cricket’s way off the mark they set for themselves. Sometimes you’ve just gotta admit it’s not clicking, time to switch things up and bring in someone fresh. I bet he (Jos Buttler) knows it in his gut too.”
Shastri’s Pumped for Afghanistan
Ravi Shastri was all over Afghanistan’s killer win against England in Lahore. He hit social media to give them a loud shoutout.
England’s Captain Trouble
Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton laid into Jos Buttler’s leadership after England’s exit, saying his captain run’s probably hit the end of the road.
Shastri’s Straight Talk
After Afghanistan’s victory, Shastri didn’t just praise them—he told England flat-out to quit making excuses and step up their game in the subcontinent.
Buttler’s Rocky Road
Jos Buttler owned up that he’s got some thinking to do about his role after this loss. Atherton and Hussain say captaincy never quite fit him since 2022.
