As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina shared his insights and expectations for the marquee encounter. Speaking at the Star Sports Press Room, Raina expressed confidence in Virat Kohli’s ability to deliver a match-winning performance while acknowledging the challenges posed by Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.
Raina revisited the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Pakistan’s Mohammed Amir dismantled India’s top order with a sensational spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli early on. “When we talk about the Champions Trophy, I remember Mohammed Amir’s spell. He got the wickets of Rohit and Virat,” Raina said, acknowledging the pivotal role Amir played in Pakistan’s victory.
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Despite the painful memory, Raina emphasized that the upcoming match offers India a fresh opportunity to redeem themselves. “I think both teams have a fifty percent chance. Virat Kohli will come again and win it for India; his performance will be out of the box,” he added.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strengths, Raina praised their bowling attack and familiarity with Dubai’s playing conditions. “Pakistan has a better bowling attack. The kind of passion they play with, and their experience in Dubai, gives them a home advantage,” Raina remarked. He also noted that Pakistan’s history of playing extensively in Dubai could give them an edge, but stressed that India’s preparation and mindset would play a key role in overcoming these challenges.
Raina reflected on past setbacks in Dubai, including India’s loss to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, but remained optimistic. “This scenario will be different because Rohit Sharma knows how crucial these matches with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand are,” he added.
Raina identified India’s top-order batting as a critical factor in the match. He emphasized the need for one of the top three—Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, or Virat Kohli—to bat deep into the innings. “One of these batsmen will have to play till the 35th over. Then we have those kinds of batsmen who can play big shots,” he stated, underlining the importance of building a solid foundation.
Raina acknowledged the emotional intensity surrounding India-Pakistan matches, both for players and fans. “There is a different kind of passion when it comes to India versus Pakistan. A lot of people from Delhi might be planning to go to Dubai to watch the match,” he said, highlighting the match’s significance beyond the cricket field.
Quoting former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, Raina issued a rallying call for Kohli: “Like Shoaib Akhtar said, ‘Wake up Virat, you have to face Pakistan.'”
The India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
Also See: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Schedule, Match Dates, Timing and Venues
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- 20 February – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
- 23 February – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- 2 March – India vs New Zealand, Dubai.
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