WEB DESK: With the highly anticipated matchup between Pakistan and India in the 2025 Champions Trophy taking place on Sunday, predictions surrounding the potential Pakistan playing XI are being made.
India started their campaign with a win over Bangladesh, while Pakistan lost to New Zealand, making this a must-win game for them.
So, as Pakistan looks to bounce back against India, let’s have a look at what their lineup could look like tomorrow.
Pakistan Playing XI vs India
Openers: Babar Azam and Imam-Ul-Haq
Pakistan are set to have a new opening pair against India. With Fakhar Zaman out of the tournament due to injury and Saud Shakeel not performing up to the mark, Imam-Ul-Haq will likely replace them at the top of the innings. Babar Azam scored 64 runs in the last game but took 90 balls to get to that point. Much of the responsibility for the Pakistan playing XI will be on his shoulders as he will be looking to show more positive intent at the start of the innings.
Middle-Order: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Usman Khan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah
Captain Muhammad Rizwan will be desperate to leave a mark on the big stage as he lost his wicket for just 3 runs against New Zealand. He would be looking to lead the Pakistan playing XI from the front.
Perhaps the biggest talking point for the Pakistan playing XI vs India could be the inclusion of Usman Khan. With Saud Shakeel failing to replicate his impressive Test performances to the One Day International (ODI) game, Usman Khan could be given his debut in the upcoming game against India. Usman has played 18 T20 Internationals for Pakistan to date.
Tayyab Tahir will also be looking to score big as he only managed 1 run against New Zealand last time out. While Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha played impressive innings against New Zealand, they will be keen to put up a big score against India in a must-win game.
Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Even though Pakistan lost their opening game against New Zealand, the bowling unit is expected to remain the same. Shaheen Shah Afridi will be looking to make an early mark in the game to take control, while Abrar Ahmed will be the lead spinner for the Pakistan playing XI.
India Playing XI vs Pakistan
Openers: Rohit Sharma (C) and Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly one of the best opening batsmen in modern cricket. He will be looking to lead from the front as captain of the team alongside Shubman Gill, the current no.1 ODI batsman. Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century powered India to victory against Bangladesh in their first group-stage game of the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axer Patel
Virat Kohli will be especially fired up against Pakistan, considering that he only needs 15 more runs to become the fastest batsman to reach 14,000 career ODI runs. Shreyas Iyer will continue at no. 4, while KL Rahul could move slightly up the order to bat at no. 5.
India’s batting lineup has strength in depth due to their all-rounders. Hardik Pandya and Jadeja round off the middle order as specialist hitters who would look to score quick runs if it came down to it.
Bowlers: Muhammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
Muhammad Shami will continue to lead the Indian bowling attack after he took 5 wickets against Bangladesh in the first match. Jasprit Bumrah’s injury opened up a spot in the team for exciting talent to come through with Harshit Rana showcasing his skill in the recent India vs England series. He took 3 wickets in the last game but may be forced to sit out the game with Arshdeep Singh coming in to give them some variety. He brings a unique set of skills and would be looking to trouble the Pakistani batsman with his pace and skills.
In the spin department, India might be tempted to drop Kuldeep Yadav in favour of Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin. Kuldeep Yadav did not take any wickets in his 10 overs against Bangladesh. As for Varun Chakravarthy, he has been in good form and would be handy on a turning track in Dubai.
No matter the lineup, Pakistan vs India promises to be a thrilling game and one that will have fans glued to the screen.
