Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has predicted that the Men in Blues could be the winners of the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan.
The hosts have landed in Dubai to play in a crucial match against their arch-rivals. India had a winning start to their campaign against Bangladesh, but Pakistan were disappointing in a loss to New Zealand.
During a recent event, Sourav Ganguly highlighted India’s strong spin attack as a key advantage heading into the clash.
Speaking at an event hosted by construction chemical manufacturer Vura, for whom Ganguly is a brand ambassador, Ganguly stated that he expected India to continue dominating Pakistan at these world events.
“India are not just favourites against Pakistan, but for me, they are favourites for this tournament. It won’t be easy for Pakistan. The spinners will also play a crucial role. I think India will go with the same (bowling) combination,” Ganguly said.
Meanwhile Pakistan has included only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed in their playing Xl and has just one frontline spinner in their 15-member squad.
“On the wicket in Dubai, they will need spinners. I presume this Dubai pitch will turn a bit, and Pakistan doesn’t play spin very well. India has quality spinners,” he added.
“India is a very powerful white-ball side. The recent record against Pakistan shows that India have dominated them for a long time now,” said Ganguly.
“In the last 25 years, as far as I can remember, India must have lost only once to Pakistan in a world tournament — whether it’s the Champions Trophy, World Cup, or T20 World Cup.”
Finally Ganguly stated that he thinks India and the Kiwis will be the two teams to qualify, particularly if Pakistan fall to two losses.
In that circumstances, Pakistan would need Bangladesh and India both to beat New Zealand and then depend on net run-rate to qualify.
“New Zealand have beaten Pakistan. So, New Zealand is ahead. If India beat Pakistan, then Pakistan will probably be out of the competition. So, I see India and New Zealand progressing from this group,” concluded Ganguly.
The arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to clash once again in the Champions Trophy on February 23 at Dubai International Stadium.
