Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is expected to replace Kuldeep Yadav as India take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their second Group A fixture of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The Indian team management is likely to make just one change to the playing XI that featured in their tournament opener against Bangladesh on February 20. While Kuldeep, who has 12 wickets in six ODIs against Pakistan, is regarded as a high-quality bowler, he remained wicketless in his 10-over spell against Bangladesh, conceding 43 runs.
Chakaravarthy, who made his ODI debut earlier this month against England, is being considered for the crucial clash owing to his recent form and the challenge his mystery spin could pose to Pakistan’s batters.
Pakistan, who suffered a defeat against New Zealand in their opening match at Karachi’s National Stadium, have struggled against wrist spinners in recent years, making Chakaravarthy a strong contender to be drafted into the Indian side.
Gill eyes hat-trick of hundreds
India will once again pin their hopes on world No. 1 ODI batter Shubman Gill, who has struck back-to-back centuries in his last two appearances. The 25-year-old opener from Punjab will be eager to complete a rare hat-trick of tons against a formidable Pakistan bowling attack.
Veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have had success against Pakistan in the past, will be key figures in India’s batting lineup. Rohit, India’s skipper, has accumulated 873 runs in 19 ODIs against Pakistan, while Kohli has 678 runs in 16 encounters.
Shami leads India’s bowling attack
With the ball, experienced pacer Mohammed Shami will be India’s trump card. The 34-year-old speedster had a memorable outing against Bangladesh, claiming five wickets for 53 runs in his first-ever Champions Trophy match. He will be looking to replicate his performance against Pakistan.
Young pacer Harshit Rana, who impressed with a three-wicket haul in India’s opening match, is expected to retain his place in the side. The rest of the playing XI is likely to remain unchanged unless unforeseen injury concerns arise.
India’s likely playing XI vs Pakistan:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy.
The high-stakes encounter is set to draw global attention as two of cricket’s fiercest rivals face off once again on the big stage.
