The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked debates among cricketing legends, each offering their perspective on what promises to be an electrifying contest. With Pakistan on the brink of elimination following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, the stakes could not be higher. While many back India as the favorites, some believe Pakistan’s unpredictability could turn the tide.
Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar has provided a balanced take on the encounter, cautioning against labeling India as overwhelming favorites. While he acknowledged India’s all-round strength, he emphasized Pakistan’s history of rising to the occasion in the Champions Trophy.
“Anything can happen, as you need one player to change the game. Pakistan have several players who can do that. It is wrong to say that India is the outright favorite,” Gavaskar remarked. He noted that India might look to introduce an additional spinner, possibly Varun Chakravarthy, while considering Hardik Pandya as a new-ball option.
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has declared the match against India as a must-win fixture, stressing that the defending champions’ only path forward is victory over their arch-rivals. Recalling their historic win over India in Dubai during the 2021 T20 World Cup, Rauf expressed confidence in his team’s ability to repeat that feat.
“If we want to move forward in the tournament, we must defeat India. This is a do-or-die match for us,” Rauf stated, underlining the importance of the fixture.
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh believes Pakistan hold a slight edge due to their familiarity with Dubai’s conditions, having played their home matches there for several years.
“I actually think Pakistan have an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well,” Yuvraj said. However, he also highlighted India’s superior match-winners, insisting that adaptability and seizing the moment would decide the match.
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh echoed the sentiment that India go into the game as favorites but warned against ruling Pakistan out entirely. He highlighted India’s recent form, contrasting it with Pakistan’s inconsistency.
“India are favorites, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Pakistan won that game. Pakistan have been hot and cold over the last 12 months, so you never know which team will show up,” Waugh observed.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly firmly backed India to continue their dominance over Pakistan in ICC tournaments. He pointed out Pakistan’s struggles against spin and predicted that the slow Dubai surface could play into India’s hands.
“On the wicket in Dubai, they will need spinners. I presume this pitch will turn a bit, and Pakistan doesn’t play spin very well. India has quality spinners,” Ganguly said, adding that he sees India and New Zealand progressing from the group.
While former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized the national team’s recent performances, admitting that a victory against India would be an upset, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan made a surprising remark by stating that he wants Pakistan to win.
“If Pakistan wins, then it becomes a contest. There should be an equal fight,” Wassan opined, arguing that an unpredictable tournament would make for better viewing.
As India and Pakistan prepare for their highly anticipated showdown in Dubai on Sunday, February 23, opinions from cricketing legends add further intrigue to an already intense rivalry. With Pakistan facing elimination and India riding a strong winning streak, the match is set to be a high-octane battle where one moment of brilliance could decide the fate of both teams.
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