Champions Trophy 2025: Suresh Raina makes bold prediction for Virat Kohli for India-Pakistan clash

The world of cricket is full of excitement as is the much awaited India–Pakistan conflict in its ninth edition ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches. Scheduled for February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium, the encounter promises to be a spectacle given the intensity and historical significance of the rivalry. Former Indian cricketer Sures Rainaduring a discussion of the “Press Room”, hosted by Star Sports, shared his thoughts on this high-voltage fixture and Team India’s prospects.

Suresh Raina’s bold claim on India-Pakistan clash and Virat Kohli

When asked to predict the outcome of the India-Pakistan encounter, Raina diplomatically stated that both teams have an equal chance of winning. Raina’s belief in Kohli’s ability to perform in high-pressure games reflects the star batsman’s impressive record against Pakistan at ICC events, where his consistency and resilience have often tipped the scales in India’s favour.

“I think India and Pakistan will have a fifty percent chance. Virat Kohli will win it for India and his performance will be superb.” Raina said.

Who will have the edge in bowling? Raina shares his view

Raina highlighted the strength of Pakistan’s bowling unit, acknowledging that it is superior to India’s current set-up. He stated that Pakistan’s familiarity with Dubai conditions, having played extensively in the UAE due to home hosting restrictions, gives the Men in Green a slight advantage.

“Pakistan have a better bowling attack. Although both teams have left-armers, the kind of passion that Pakistan play in Dubai, they get the home advantage.” remarked the former Indian cricketer.

Raina also highlighted the crucial role of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in this meeting. He believed that Rohit’s experience and ability to strategize will be instrumental in overcoming Pakistan, particularly in Dubai, where India have faced setbacks in the past, such as losing the T20 World Cup 2021 to Pakistan.

“Pakistan has played a lot of cricket in Dubai and we have also lost a World Cup game there. But this scenario will be different because Rohit Sharma knows how crucial these matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand are,Raina concluded.

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India’s road to Champions Trophy 2025

Ahead of the marquee tournament, Team India will complete their final white-ball mission with a five-match T20I seriess and a three-match ODI series vs England at home. This series will serve as a crucial preparatory phase for India, helping them improve their squad and address any gaps ahead of the Champions Trophy. India will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh, a match that could set the tone for the rest of the tournament. As the defending champions, Pakistan will enter the tournament riding the momentum of their 2017 triumph, further raising the stakes for the showdown in Dubai.

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