Virat Kohli, Babar Azam And...? Key Players To Watch Out For In IND vs PAK Champions Trophy Clash

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli [Source: @Shebas_10dulkar/X.com]

When India and Pakistan collide on the cricket field, the stakes transcend sport. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and pitch that rewards both tactical advantage and explosive flair, will set the stage for another chapter in this storied rivalry on February 23. 

As two cricketing giants lock horns in the Champions Trophy, the contest promises to hinge on moments of individual brilliance, those game-changing performances that define high-pressure encounters. While team strategies and conditions will play their part, the spotlight inevitably falls on a handful of players whose form, temperament, and ability to thrive under scrutiny could tilt the balance. Here’s a look at the pivotal figures poised to shape this blockbuster clash.

Key Players To Watch Out For In India vs Pakistan Match

India

Virat Kohli

A colossus in chase scenarios, Virat Kohli’s mastery of pacing innings and dismantling bowling attacks under pressure remains unparalleled. Who can forget his masterclass of a chase against Pakistan back in 2022 when almost all of India lost hope? He announced that the 'King' was there to stay. 

Diving into statistics, Virat Kohli has been a key match-winner for India against Pakistan, averaging 52.1 in 16 ODIs. Batting at No. 3, he remains a crucial anchor after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. With a strike rate of 100.3 against Pakistan and an impressive Champions Trophy average of 78.7, he is a player who can turn the game in India's favour.

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Rohit Sharma

While Shubman Gill has been a better performer recently as an opener with his consistent form, it has to be understood that high-pressure games require experience to excel. Hence, the Indian captain’s role as an aggressor in the powerplay sets the tone for the innings. Against Pakistan’s fiery pace attack, his early boundary-hunting could disrupt their plans and ease pressure on the middle order.

Looking into his form against Pakistan in ODIs, Rohit Sharma is a fearless striker against Pakistan, he boasts a 92.4 strike rate and eight fifties in 19 ODIs. With a 51.4 average, a strong start from Rohit can set the stage for India’s top order.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami’s seam movement and death-over precision make him India’s trump card against Pakistan. His ability to strike early with the new ball, target top-order vulnerabilities, and deliver yorkers in crunch moments could stifle Pakistan’s momentum. His experience and past success against key Pakistani batters heighten his threat.

With Jasprit Bumrah out, Mohammed Shami has stepped up as India’s pace spearhead, proving his worth with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. Notably, as a sign of worry for the Men in Green, in three matches against Pakistan, Shami has taken five wickets, conceding 107 runs in 28 overs at an economy of 3.82. His experience and form, alongside Harshit Rana, will be crucial in the upcoming clash.

Pakistan

Babar Azam

The backbone of Pakistan’s batting, Babar’s technical elegance and experience against India make him indispensable. His ability to weather India’s pace attack and counter spinners like Jadeja or Kuldeep could dictate Pakistan’s total. 

In 8 matches he has played against India, Babar has managed to bag 218 runs at an average of 31.14 and a strike rate of 75.2. Though his recent form has not been of his stature, a commanding innings from Babar Azam in the match would not only anchor the team for a big score but also demoralize India’s bowling unit.

Haris Rauf

The raw pace and unrelenting aggression define Rauf’s bowling. His knack for breaking partnerships with sharp bouncers and searing yorkers makes him a menace in the middle and death overs. If he targets India’s powerplay vulnerabilities or disrupts set batters, he could tilt the game in Pakistan’s favour.

Moreover, Rauf's experience against Indian batters can also be disruptive. In the 3 matches that he played against the Men in Blue, Rauf secured 3 wickets at a decent economy rate of 6.40 which indicates that he might also stifle the flow of runs given that his powerplay economy rate is currently at 5.73 for ODIs.

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan’s composure and ability to anchor or accelerate innings provide stability to the game. His proficiency against spin and skill in building partnerships will be critical if Pakistan loses early wickets. 

Rizwan has played a total of 7 games against India out of which 2 were ODIs where he managed to bag 51 runs at a strike rate of 68.9. While this is not impressive, his recent form and ability with the gloves make him a potent threat for India in the greatest rivalry in the history of cricket.

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