At last here comes the long awaited India vs Pakistan game in the Champions Trophy! Players from both teams are downplaying the strain despite the great buzz, labelling it as “just another game.” But this game is anything from typical with Pakistan’s survival on the line and India’s stellar record.
India vs Pakistan A Nerves War
India and Pakistan players have stressed being calm and viewing it as simply another game ahead of the big one. Vice-captain Shubman Gill of India said,
“We play every match to win, and this is no different for us.” .
In a same vein, Haris Rauf repeated,
“We are relaxed; there is not extra pressure.”
But given Pakistan’s performance in the tournament opening against New Zealand, their players are definitely under pressure. The squad has been working nonstop to correct their errors as their bowling and batting have been erratic.
Getting Ready Before India versus Pakistan Showdown
Pakistan’s spinners concentrated on enhancing swing during their net session; their batsmen worked on boundary clearance. Conversely, Virat Kohli came at the training facility an hour early, resolved to get back in shape. Although his previous difficulties cause questions, his additional effort shows intention to produce in this important game.
India’s Domancy Over Pakistan at ICC Events
India and Pakistan have always been rivals, rather fiercely. Though Pakistan leads the whole head-to–head 73-57, India has dominated ICC events:
Out of the last six meetings since the 2017 Champions Trophy final, India has won five.
India has just lost one in ICC competitions since the 2015 World Cup versus Pakistan.
Last two victories for Pakistan came from their bowlers demolishing India in the powerplay (2017 Champions Trophy Final & 2021 T20 World Cup).
Though India is favourites, cricket great Sunil Gavaskar cautions that one game-changing event may change the tide.
 Match Details: Champion Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan
February 23; 13:00 Local | 14:30 IST at date
The venue is Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Weather: sunny and bright; minimal possibility of dew; better off batting first.
India vs Pakistan Estimated Playing XIs
 India’s Probable XI
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Harshit Rana
Though suffering from viral fever, Rishabh Pant is not anticipated to affect the squad choice. It is anticipated of Harshit Rana to keep his position above Arshdeep Singh.
Pakistan’s Probable XI
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
- Salman Agha
- Tayyab Tahir
- Khushdil Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
Retaining three frontline fast bowlers amid spin-friendly conditions, Pakistan’s coach Aqib Javed is uncompromising on pace.
Key Statistics: India vs Pakistan in ICC Events
Ten of 13 ICC ODI games India has played against Pakistan have been victories.
The only ICC tournament Pakistan has a good record versus India (3-2) is the Champions Trophy.
With the most runs (2689) in 51 innings, Shubman Gill has an average (62.51) at this point of a career.
Their Views on India Against Pakistan Clashing
Shubman Gill on the Rivals
“Long history exists between India and Pakistan. Should millions of people find enjoyment in it, who are we to claim it is underhyped or overhyped? Our task is to represent our nation and win with all our heart.
Aqib Javed on the Pressures
“What is an India-Pakistan game devoid of pressure? The 11th will always bring fresh pressure even if you win ten games.
Last Thoughts: The Game-Changer Will Be Who?
Given India’s recent supremacy and Pakistan’s challenges, Rohit Sharma’s side have better chances. One magnificent moment from Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Virat Kohli, or Hardik Pandya might, however, transform everything.
In the ultimate cricketing clash, who will be on call? Ready for war, India and Pakistan let the game start!
