Champions Trophy: India vs Pakistan: Rohit, Kohli Under Pressure as India Likely to Stick to Winning XI

Experienced Core Expected to Retain Their Places as India Eyes Second Straight Win in Champions Trophy 2025

February 23, 2025: 🏏 Match Preview: India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025

After a dominant win against Bangladesh, Team India gears up for their high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai. With no major changes expected, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face mounting pressure to deliver with the bat.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Australia vs England: Inglis, Maxwell Power AUS to Historic Chase

Historically, Pakistan has the edge in Champions Trophy encounters (3-2), but India has dominated recent ODIs, winning their last six clashes. However, with Pakistan desperate for a comeback, India must be wary of the unpredictable nature of their opponents.

---

🔑 Key Talking Points

✅ Rohit and Kohli Need to Fire – Both senior batters have faced criticism for their recent inconsistency. Kohli’s slow 22-run knock vs Bangladesh raised concerns, while Rohit started strong but failed to convert his 41 off 36 balls into a big score.

Also Read: “India Is the Favourite, But Individual Brilliance Can Change the Game”—Shoaib Malik on Champions Trophy Clash

✅ Shubman Gill’s Form a Major Plus – The young opener smashed a match-winning century in the last game and will be crucial against Pakistan’s pace attack.

✅ Strong All-Rounders Department – With Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, India has the depth to counter Pakistan’s bowlers while providing balance in the lower order.

✅ Bowling Unit Unchanged? – Mohammed Shami was the standout performer with a five-wicket haul but was expensive. Harshit Rana impressed, while Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin will be a key factor.

Also Read: “Pakistan Must Be at Their Best Against India”—Ricky Ponting on Champions Trophy Setback

---

📋 India’s Likely XI vs Pakistan

1️⃣ Openers: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill
2️⃣ Top-Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
3️⃣ Middle-Order: KL Rahul (WK)
4️⃣ All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja
5️⃣ Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav

---

🏆 Can India Maintain Their Winning Streak?

With a balanced squad and in-form young guns, India looks strong on paper. However, Pakistan’s past success in the Champions Trophy suggests they cannot be taken lightly. Will Rohit and Kohli step up in this must-win clash? Sunday’s game will provide the answers!

🔥 Stay tuned for the epic showdown! 🏏

Tags: #INDvsPAK, #ChampionsTrophy2025, #ViratKohli, #RohitSharma, #ShubmanGill, #HardikPandya, #TeamIndia,