Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed concern over the Rohit Sharma-led team’s upcoming clash against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Aakash Chopra stated that the spin-friendly conditions at the Dubai International Stadium could make the contest more challenging for India.
The Men in Blue began their Champions Trophy campaign with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Group A match in Dubai on Thursday, February 20. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team scored 228 before being bowled out. Rohit Sharma and his team chased down the target with 21 balls to spare.
India Could Out Bat Pakistan Like New Zealand – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that the pitch is dry with minimal grass, which could limit high-scoring games. Chopra said that the Men in Blue’s decision to pick many spinners was logical given the conditions. He stated that India could dominate Pakistan with their batting on a flat pitch.
“The square at the Dubai International Stadium is dry and has very little grass coverage. While that justifies our decision to pack the team with spinners (still one too many IMO), I’m not overjoyed at the thought of playing against Pakistan on a surface that’s likely to produce a 270-280 kind of game at best. On a flat pitch—India could out bat Pak like NZ. Not here. #IndvPak,” Chopra wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The square at the Dubai International Stadium is dry and has very little grass coverage. While that justifies our decision to pack the team with spinners (still one too many IMO), I’m not overjoyed at the thought of playing against Pakistan on a surface that’s likely to produce a…
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 21, 2025
Mohammed Shami secured his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs. Towhid Hridoy was the standout batter for Bangladesh, scoring a resilient century. Shubman Gill led the run chase with an unbeaten 101, marking his eighth ODI century. He earned him the Player of the Match award for his outstanding batting.
Indian Pacers Dominated Despite Spin-Friendly Dubai Pitch
Despite the Dubai pitch favoring spinners, the fast bowlers ran through Bangladesh’s batting lineup. They secured eight out of the 10 wickets that fell. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5/53 in his 10 overs, while Harshit Rana provided support with figures of 3/31 in 7.4 overs.
The pitches in Dubai for the tournament appear to be similar to Indian conditions. Notably, the selectors and team management likely considered this while opting for five spinners in the 15-man squad. Washington Sundar and Varun Chakravarthy were left out of the playing XI for the first match.
Rohit Sharma & co Set to Face Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday
Pakistan arrived in Dubai ahead of their must-win clash against the arch-rivals, set for Sunday, February 23. Their campaign started on a disappointing note, as the defending champions suffered a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19.
Group A consists of India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals. To keep their qualification hopes alive, Pakistan must win both of their remaining matches. The Rohit Sharma-led team will secure their berth in the knockouts if they win their next game.
Also read: Historical!! Kerala enter Ranji Trophy final for the first time after narrow two-run first-innings lead
