Dubai pitch visuals [Source: @iam_JZK/X.com]
The wait is almost over as India is set to take on Pakistan in the most-anticipated clash of the Champions Trophy 2025. The contest will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23 as both the sides will look to get the crucial win on the table.
India already have a win the competition as they defeated Bangladesh in a spicy affair and another victory weill help them reach the semi-finale with a game to spare. However, Pakistan is the most unpredictable team in the Champions Trophy and you never know which Pakistan is going to turn up on Sunday.
Why 4 spinners is the way to go for India
During the India Vs Bangladesh match, everyone expected the pitch to play better under lights, but the opposite happened as Indian batters found it difficult to time the ball and the Bangladesh spinner tightened the screws on scoring rate.
When the ball got softer, the Tigers utilised spinners from both the ends, and India, for a brief period struggled to get going.
Ahead of the crucial game against Pakistan, the first images of the Dubai pitch got revealed and the entire grass was shaved off from the surface, suggesting that it will be a spin-friendly deck for the Champions Trophy match.
Will Rohit include Chakravarthy and replace a front-line pacer?
With the pitch being dry, Rohit Sharma could be tempted to include Varun Chakravarthy in the playing XI instead of a pacer. Chakravarthy is high on confidence after delivering the goods Vs England and could utilise the conditions to his advantage.
If he is included, Harshit Rana could be dropped as India already have Mohammed Shami as the leader of the attack and Hardik Pandya can also bowl 10 overs with ease.