NEW DELHI: As the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has termed the high-voltage encounter as the ‘mother of all battles’.
The arch-rivals are set to face off in Dubai on Sunday, and Sidhu believes that the team handling pressure better will emerge victorious.
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“There’s nothing bigger than this. The tension unites everyone, and when 150 crore people expect a win, defeat is hard to digest. This game is more of a psychological battle than just skill. The team that channels nervous energy into positive momentum will win,” Sidhu said on JioHotstar’s Greatest Rivalry Returns.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh reflected on his first-ever match against Pakistan in 2003, recalling the intense pressure and fierce competition.
“It was one of the greatest ODI matches I played. My friend Shahid Afridi welcomed me with some ‘kind words.’ That’s when I truly understood what this rivalry meant. Watching it on TV was one thing, but playing in it was entirely different. The pressure was immense, but doing well in that game gave me confidence for the future,” Yuvraj shared.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi recalled the 2003 clash, revealing the mindset passed down by senior players.
“Yuvraj was young then, finding his place. We played under Inzamam-ul-Haq bhai and Wasim Akram bhai, who taught us to intimidate the opposition and fight till the last ball. Our seniors would say, ‘Show the opposition your eyes, put pressure on them.’ But Yuvraj, being a Sardar, doesn’t take pressure. He came in confident, and despite our words, he focused on his batting and played well,” Afridi admitted.
Afridi also emphasised that playing in an India-Pakistan match is a dream for any cricketer, particularly young players.
“For a cricketer, this match is a golden opportunity. I used to lose sleep before these games, thinking about my performance. Even if I had failed in the last few matches, performing against India would make up for everything. That’s how big this rivalry is,” he added.
Yuvraj further highlighted the significance of winning such matches, stating that an India-Pakistan clash sets the tone for the tournament.
“No matter the format, it always feels like a final. Winning builds momentum and confidence. I remember the 2017 Champions Trophy, where we beat Pakistan in the first match, but they defeated us in the final. Nothing is guaranteed. A strong start on such a big stage is crucial,” Yuvraj concluded.
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