Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has confidently predicted that India will have the upper hand over Pakistan in their upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai on Sunday, February 23.
Ganguly, known for his strategic acumen and experience, believes that India’s formidable spin attack will be the key factor in securing victory against their arch-rivals.
India enters the match with high spirits, having recently triumphed over Bangladesh in their Group A opener. Mohammed Shami showcased his prowess with a remarkable five-wicket haul, while spinners Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav effectively stifled Bangladesh’s scoring rate. On the batting front, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma delivered stellar performances, ensuring a comfortable win for India.
In stark contrast, Pakistan faced a heavy defeat against New Zealand in their tournament opener, grappling with both pace and spin. The injury of key player Fakhar Zaman has further compounded their challenges, leaving them in a vulnerable position.
Ganguly’s prediction extends beyond the India-Pakistan clash, as he also sees India as strong contenders to win the entire tournament. He emphasized the importance of spin in Dubai’s conditions, noting that Pakistan’s limited spin options could be a disadvantage.
Moreover, Ganguly expressed confidence in Virat Kohli’s ability to overcome his recent struggles against spin, attributing his recent dismissals to mere off days.
As cricket fans eagerly await this high-stakes encounter, Ganguly’s insights and India’s current form hint at an exciting showdown on the horizon.