Champions Trophy: Key Players to Monitor in the Anticipated India-Pakistan Encounter

New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to reach its peak during the opening weekend. While Australia faces off against England in Lahore on Saturday, cricket enthusiasts globally will be focused on the eagerly awaited India-Pakistan match taking place at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

This showdown is expected to generate soaring TV and streaming numbers worldwide as Rohit Sharma & Co. clash with the Mohammad Rizwan-led squad. The typical frenzy surrounding India-Pakistan matches was evident as tickets for the encounter at the 25,000-capacity stadium sold out within minutes of their release.

India enters the match as favorites, having secured a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their opening game in Dubai. Conversely, Pakistan, the reigning Champions Trophy titleholders, comes off a 60-run defeat to New Zealand and the loss of Fakhar Zaman due to an oblique injury.

IANS highlights key players to keep an eye on as India and Pakistan aim to add another chapter to their storied rivalry.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit has left his recent struggles behind, scoring 119 against England in Cuttack. He began the 2025 Champions Trophy strongly with a quick 41 against Bangladesh before getting out during the first powerplay.

In 19 innings against Pakistan, Rohit has accumulated 873 runs at an average of 51.35 and a strike rate of 92.38, including two centuries and five fifties. His ability to challenge Pakistan’s bowlers, regardless of the pitch conditions in Dubai, will be closely watched.

Shubman Gill

Prior to the Champions Trophy, Gill was named the top-ranked men’s ODI batter. The Indian vice-captain showcased his talent with an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls against Bangladesh, leading his team to chase down a target of 229 with 21 balls remaining. His patience at the crease, respecting the conditions and the spin from Bangladesh bowlers, was noteworthy as he scored his slowest ODI fifty in 69 balls and reached his hundred in 125 balls, both proving crucial for India’s success.

Mohammed Shami

After a 14-month recovery from an Achilles tendon surgery and a left knee swelling issue, Shami impressed with figures of 5-53, helping India dismiss Bangladesh for 228. He became the fastest Indian bowler to achieve 200 ODI wickets and also emerged as the leading wicket-taker in ICC 50-over tournaments.

Shami led the wicket-taking chart in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, with 24 wickets in seven matches and an impressive average of 10.70. Doubts remained about his form after his hiatus, but Shami silenced critics with his exceptional bowling, skillfully using the seam and off-cutter.

Babar Azam

Despite being recognized as one of the finest batters of the modern era, Babar Azam faced criticism for his lackluster 64 off 90 balls at a strike rate of 71.11 against New Zealand in his first match at the National Stadium in Karachi.

However, he has a chance to redeem himself by delivering a memorable performance in the crucial matchup against India, inspiring his team to maintain their Champions Trophy title defense.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

As the spearhead of Pakistan’s bowling attack, Shaheen is capable of dismantling any batting lineup on any pitch. However, he struggled in the tournament opener, conceding 68 runs in ten overs without claiming a wicket.

Sunday’s match, however, is at a venue where Shaheen excelled, having dismantled India’s top order in the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup, leading Pakistan to a ten-wicket victory. Memories of that performance should motivate him to excel.

Salman Ali Agha

Since his international debut, Salman has proven to be a valuable asset for Pakistan as a batting all-rounder. In the game against New Zealand, he was the only player showing aggression, scoring 42 off just 28 balls. If Pakistan’s vice-captain replicates this intent against India, the match in Dubai could become even more thrilling.