Champions Trophy: “Rohit’s Dangerous Even While Struggling..”, Says Yuvraj ahead Of India-Pakistan Clash

February 21, 2025: Ahead of the high-octane contest between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh backed skipper Rohit Sharma’s match-winning abilities, emphasizing that even when Rohit is struggling, his ability to score runs makes him a dangerous player for the opposition.

Unlike the 50-over and T20 World Cups, Pakistan has a 3-2 advantage over India in the Champions Trophy, with a massive 180-run victory in the 2017 final. Pakistan heads to Dubai with plenty of momentum, but Yuvraj is confident that India’s top order, led by Rohit, will be key to their success.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Greatest Rivalry Returns’, Yuvraj spoke highly of Rohit, stating that it doesn’t matter whether Rohit is in form or not. “In ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats, he has been India’s biggest match-winner as a batsman, alongside Virat Kohli. If Rohit is struggling but still gets runs, that is dangerous for the opposition. If he is in form, he will score a century in 60 balls. That is his quality—once he gets going, he is not just hitting fours; he is clearing the ropes with sixes.”

Yuvraj further highlighted Rohit’s ability against fast bowlers, saying, “He is also one of the best players of the short ball. Even if someone bowls at 145-150 kmph, Rohit has the ability to hook it effortlessly. His strike rate is always between 120-140, and on his day, he can single-handedly win you the game.”

Rohit’s statistics against Pakistan also speak for themselves. In 19 ODIs against Pakistan, he has scored 873 runs at an average of 51.35, with two centuries and eight fifties. His best score against them is 140.

Despite a difficult 2024-25 Test season where his form dipped significantly, Rohit has managed to retain his explosive ODI form. In the ongoing Champions Trophy, he has already scored 163 runs in four innings, including a century against England and a 41-run knock in the opener against Bangladesh.

With the clash against Pakistan looming, Yuvraj believes that Rohit’s potential to take over a match, even if he’s not at his best, makes him a vital asset for India in the high-pressure contest.