Former Cricketer Says India Holds the Edge Over Pakistan in Dubai Conditions
Dubai [UAE], February 10: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to shine in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, emphasizing that despite recent criticism, both senior players still have the ability to win matches for India.
Harbhajan acknowledged that while Kohli and Rohit haven’t been at their prolific best, they have an opportunity to prove their critics wrong in the Champions Trophy.
“Virat and Rohit haven’t scored as many runs as expected, given their past performances. Expectations are always high, and when they don’t meet them, criticism follows. However, the Champions Trophy presents a great chance for them to prove they can still win matches for India. If they don’t succeed, the younger players waiting in the wings will get their opportunities. But I firmly believe both have plenty of cricket left in them and are still highly capable of scoring runs,” Harbhajan said.
India Holds an Edge Over Pakistan in Dubai Conditions
Discussing India’s prospects in the tournament, Harbhajan highlighted India’s advantage over Pakistan due to their familiarity with Dubai’s pitches.
“There is a lot of hype around the India-Pakistan match, but the team that adjusts better to the pitch conditions will have the upper hand. India has an advantage because they will play all their matches in Dubai and will have a better understanding of the conditions. Overall, I believe India is a better team than Pakistan, and I expect the result to favor us,” Harbhajan added.
Who Can Step Up in Bumrah’s Absence?
The former off-spinner also spoke about India’s bowling attack, stressing that while no one can replace Jasprit Bumrah, his absence provides an opportunity for players like Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami to prove themselves.
“When a player like Bumrah is unavailable, someone else must step up. No one can truly replace him, but this opens the door for others to showcase their abilities. Players like Arshdeep and Shami have a chance to make an impact and prove themselves on the big stage,” he said.
Champions Trophy 2025 – The Battle for Glory
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see the world’s top eight teams battle it out in 15 high-intensity matches over 19 days. Fans can still purchase tickets online or at physical outlets in Pakistan. Tickets for the final, scheduled for Sunday, March 9, will be available after the first semi-final in Dubai.