The cricketing world is abuzz with pleasure because the much-anticipated India–Pakistan conflict within the ninth version of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches. Scheduled for February 23 on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium, the encounter guarantees to be a spectacle, given the rivalry’s depth and historic significance. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, throughout a dialogue on the “Press Room,” hosted by Star Sports activities, shared his ideas on this high-voltage fixture and Staff India’s prospects.
Suresh Raina’s daring declare on India-Pakistan conflict and Virat Kohli
When requested to foretell the result of the India-Pakistan encounter, Raina diplomatically acknowledged that each groups have an equal likelihood of successful. Raina’s perception in Kohli’s potential to ship in high-pressure video games displays the star batter’s spectacular file in opposition to Pakistan in ICC occasions, the place his consistency and resilience have usually tilted the scales in India’s favor.
“I feel India and Pakistan could have a fifty p.c likelihood. Virat Kohli will win it for India and his efficiency shall be magnificent,” Raina stated.
Who could have a edge in bowling? Raina shares his perspective
Raina highlighted the energy of Pakistan’s bowling unit, acknowledging it as superior to India’s present setup. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s familiarity with the Dubai situations, having performed extensively within the UAE resulting from internet hosting restrictions at dwelling, provides slight benefit to Males in Inexperienced
“Pakistan has a greater bowling assault. Though each groups have left-arm seamers, the type of ardour Pakistan performs inside Dubai, they get the house benefit,” the previous Indian cricketer remarked.
Raina additionally emphasised the essential function of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on this encounter. He believed that Rohit’s expertise and skill to strategize shall be pivotal in overcoming Pakistan, significantly in Dubai, the place India confronted setbacks up to now, such because the 2021 T20 World Cup loss to Pakistan.
“Pakistan has performed a number of cricket in Dubai, and we’ve got additionally misplaced a World Cup sport there. However this situation shall be completely different as a result of Rohit Sharma is aware of how essential these matches with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand are,” Raina concluded.
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India’s street to Champions Trophy 2025
Earlier than the marquee match, Staff India will conclude their remaining white-ball task with a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI collection in opposition to England at dwelling. This collection will function an important preparatory section for India, serving to them fine-tune their squad and deal with any gaps forward of the Champions Trophy. India will start their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marketing campaign in opposition to Bangladesh, a match that would set the tone for the remainder of the match. As defending champions, Pakistan will enter the occasion with the momentum of their 2017 triumph, additional heightening the stakes for the Dubai showdown.