The stage is set for one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries as India and Pakistan face off in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This highly anticipated match, scheduled for February 23 in Dubai, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two cricketing giants. The clash between these arch-rivals holds immense significance, not only due to their historical rivalry but also because it could significantly impact their standings in Group A.
High stakes of the marquee clash
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a pivotal moment for both India and Pakistan, with each team vying for dominance. For India, this tournament offers an opportunity to assert its position as one of the world’s top teams after a disappointing loss in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final against Australia. Their recent triumph in the T20 World Cup has boosted morale, but winning this tournament would further solidify their reputation. With Shahid Afridi suggesting that India have more match-winners than Pakistan, there is added pressure on Team Blue to perform.
India began their campaign with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh on February 20th at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten century (101*), while Mohammed Shami took five wickets (5-53) to help restrict Bangladesh to 228 runs. This victory placed India second in Group A with two points and an NRR of +0.408.
A win against Pakistan would not only boost confidence but also ensure a smooth path towards securing a semi-final spot. Conversely, if they lose or struggle against Pakistan, it could complicate their journey through the group stages.
Key concerns ahead of the Indo-Pak clash
As India prepare to take on its fiercest rival—Pakistan—several key concerns come into play:
- Injury woes and squad selection
- One major concern is Jasprit Bumrah’s absence due to injury. His unavailability opens up opportunities for emerging talents like Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh.
- In recent matches against Bangladesh, Mohammed Shami performed exceptionally well with his variations expected to be aided by pitches like those found in Dubai.
- Another decision revolves around Kuldeep Yadav versus Varun Chakravarthy; Kuldeep’s experience makes him a strong contender despite Varun’s unique bowling style posing an intriguing challenge.
- Batting lineup stability
- The batting lineup looks robust with Rohit Sharma at the helm alongside Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli providing stability at the top order.
- KL Rahul‘s form has been consistent behind stumps as well as with bat-in-hand during crucial chases like that against Bangladesh.
- Bowling strategy against Pakistani batters
- The Indian bowling attack needs strategic planning when facing aggressive Pakistani batters known for taking risks early on.
- Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja will be crucial all-rounders who can provide balance both with bat and ball.
- Psychological Pressure
- Given that all Indian matches are being held outside traditional home grounds due to logistical arrangements made by ICC and PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), there might be less home advantage pressure but still significant media scrutiny around this high-profile match.
Overall, while Team India enjoys several strengths going into this critical fixture—such as depth in batting and versatile bowling options—it must navigate these challenges effectively if they hope to outmanoeuvre their fierce rivals from across the border.
Also READ: Ravindra Jadeja takes a hilarious jibe on KL Rahul after presenting him the fielding medal post India’s triumph over Bangladesh | Champions Trophy 2025
India’s predicted playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 game against Pakistan
1) Rohit Sharma (C)
- Role: Aggressive opener and captain.
- Importance: Disrupts Pakistan’s powerplay plans with his fearless hitting. His leadership in high-pressure games is irreplaceable.
2) Shubman Gill
- Role: Technical anchor.
- Importance: Neutralizes Shaheen Afridi’s swing with compact defense and converts starts into big scores.
3) Virat Kohli
- Role: Chase master and anchor.
- Importance: Stabilizes the innings under pressure and targets spinners like Abrar Ahmed in middle overs.
4) Shreyas Iyer
- Role: Spin disruptor at No. 4.
- Importance: Uses nimble footwork to counter Pakistan’s spin and accelerates the scoring rate.
5) KL Rahul (WK)
- Role: Middle-order stabilizer and wicketkeeper.
- Importance: Bridges the top order and finishers with risk-free rotation. Sharp glovework against sweep shots is crucial.
6) Hardik Pandya
- Role: Pace-bowling all-rounder and finisher.
- Importance: Provides 6–7 overs of medium pace and demolishes death bowling with his power-hitting.
7) Ravindra Jadeja
- Role: Spin-bowling all-rounder and gun fielder.
- Importance: Strangles runs in middle overs and adds 20–30 quick runs down the order.
8) Axar Patel
- Role: Left-arm spin all-rounder.
- Importance: Matchup weapon against Pakistan’s right-handers. His accurate arm balls and lower-order hitting (SR 135 in death overs) add balance.
9) Kuldeep Yadav
- Role: Wrist-spin magician.
- Importance: Breaks partnerships with googlies and flippers. Targets Babar Azam’s tentative front-foot play.
10) Mohammed Shami
- Role: New-ball enforcer.
- Importance: Exploits Dubai’s early seam movement to dismiss openers early. His death-overs experience is vital.
11) Harshit Rana
- Role: Impact pace substitute.
- Importance: Replaces Bumrah’s void with raw pace (145+ kph) and hard-length deliveries to rattle Pakistan’s middle order.