The cricketing world is abuzz as arch-rivals India and Pakistan gear up for their Champions Trophy 2025 showdown on February 23 in Dubai. While fans eagerly await this historic clash, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked controversy by labeling the match “overhyped” and predicting a one-sided victory for India
Harbhajan’s Blunt Take: Why India Holds the Edge
- Pakistan’s Batting Woes:
Harbhajan minced no words in criticizing Pakistan’s batting lineup, calling it “inexperienced” and overly reliant on Babar Azam (average of 31 vs India) and Mohammad Rizwan (average of 25). He highlighted the struggles of players like Faheem Ashraf (12.5 average) and Saud Shakeel (8 average) against India, questioning their ability to compete 3711. - Recent Form & Inconsistency:
Pakistan’s recent tri-series losses to New Zealand at home and their shaky ODI performances have raised red flags. Harbhajan emphasized that India, fresh from dominating England, enters the tournament with momentum, while Pakistan’s bowling attack (except Shaheen Afridi) lacks form 37. - Ticket Frenzy vs Reality Check:
Despite tickets selling out within hours, Harbhajan warned fans not to expect a thriller. “The prices are high, but the contest won’t be,” he asserted, citing India’s superior head-to-head record in recent ICC events, including the 2023 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup
Counterviews: Legends Split on Predictions
While Harbhajan backs India, other legends offer nuanced perspectives:
- Yuvraj Singh believes Dubai’s conditions favor Pakistan’s pace attack, 8.
- Shahid Afridi stressed mental resilience: “Body language decides India-Pakistan games” 8.
- Navjot Sidhu praised India’s “balanced” squad, tipping Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as top scorers in 28.
- Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq called the teams “equal,” emphasizing match-day intensity
Key Players to Watch
| India | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma (Avg 51 vs PAK) | Babar Azam (ICC’s top-ranked ODI batter) |
| Virat Kohli (Avg 52 vs PAK) | Shaheen Afridi (Swing threat) |
| Hardik Pandya (Avg 69 vs PAK) | Fakhar Zaman (Avg 46 vs IND) |
Dubai’s Neutral Ground: A Tactical Battleground
The Dubai International Stadium, with its balanced pitch favoring both spinners and pacers, adds intrigue. India’s strategy will focus on neutralizing Shaheen’s early swing, while Pakistan needs Babar and Rizwan to anchor the innings
Prediction: Pride vs Practicality
Harbhajan’s prediction of an “easy win” for India hinges on stats and form, but Pakistan’s history of upsets (like the 2017 Champions Trophy final) keeps hoping alive. While India’s batting depth and bowling variety make them favorites, Pakistan’s “underdog mentality” could spring a surprise
Final Verdict: India edges ahead, but in cricket’s fiercest rivalry, expect the unexpected.
