The cricketing world is buzzing with excitement as the Champions Trophy unfolds, and fans are eagerly speculating about which team will lift the coveted trophy. With the knockout stage approaching, the competition is heating up, and all eyes are on the high-voltage clash between India vs Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has shared his insights on the tournament, the teams, and the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match.
India’s Strong Start in the Tournament
India kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign with a hard-fought six-wicket win against Bangladesh in Dubai. While the batting lineup struggled initially, the depth in India’s batting order eventually saw them chase down the target comfortably. Earlier, the bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami’s impressive five-wicket haul, set the stage for victory. Shami’s return to form has been a significant boost for the team.
India vs Pakistan: A Rivalry Like No Other
The upcoming India-Pakistan match is more than just a game; it’s a battle of pride, passion, and cricketing legacy. Ganguly, who has been part of many iconic India-Pakistan clashes, believes India holds the upper hand. Reflecting on the rivalry, he said, “India has dominated Pakistan in recent years across all formats. The team has transformed significantly, and the current Indian side is far superior.”
Ganguly also highlighted India’s strong bowling combination, which includes three spinners – Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel – and three pacers. He emphasized that Pakistan’s weakness against spin could play a crucial role, especially on Dubai’s turning pitches. “The way Harshal Patel and Hardik Pandya have bowled, along with Shami’s form, gives India a clear edge,” he added.
India’s Batting Depth and Key Players
India’s batting lineup is one of the strongest in the tournament, with players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli leading the charge. Ganguly expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to bounce back despite his recent form concerns. “Kohli has scored so many runs for India; he will find his rhythm soon,” he said.
The inclusion of KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant in the playing XI against Bangladesh raised a few eyebrows, but Ganguly backed the decision. “KL Rahul has an outstanding ODI record, and Pant is a fantastic player too. The team management has made the right call based on current form and conditions,” he explained.
Predictions for the Knockout Stage
Ganguly shared his thoughts on the teams likely to advance to the knockout stage. In India’s group, he sees New Zealand and India as the frontrunners. “If India defeats Pakistan, Pakistan will likely be eliminated. New Zealand has already beaten Pakistan, and they look strong,” he said.
In the other group, Ganguly believes England and South Africa have a good chance of progressing. While Australia is missing some of its top bowlers, he cautioned against writing them off. “You can never count Australia out in a major tournament, but England and South Africa are in better shape,” he added.
Dubai’s Pitch and Conditions
All of India’s matches are being played in Dubai, and Ganguly pointed out that batting won’t be as easy as it was in Pakistan. “In Pakistan, New Zealand scored over 300 runs, but Dubai’s pitches are different. Teams will find it challenging to post big totals here,” he said. Despite this, he believes India’s balanced squad makes them a tough opponent for any team.
Final Thoughts
Ganguly firmly believes India is a strong contender to win the Champions Trophy. “India has a well-rounded team with depth in both batting and bowling. They have the talent and experience to go all the way,” he concluded.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and standout performances. The India-Pakistan clash on February 23 promises to be a blockbuster, and if Ganguly’s predictions are anything to go by, India is poised to continue their dominance over their arch-rivals.
