Axar Patel asks for India vs Pakistan final in Champions Trophy 2025; Ravindra Jadeja bats for this team

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 heats up, Indian players Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami have shared their predictions for the grand finale. The buzz around an electrifying India vs. Pakistan Group A encounter is already skyrocketing, and now Axar Patel and Mohammed Shami are hoping for a dream scenario of an India-Pakistan final.

In a video shared by the ICC on Instagram, Axar Patel said that he would love to see the ultimate rivalry unfold in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. Axar Patel believes that nothing would excite fans more than an India-Pakistan final, so he wants this ultimate blockbuster to happen.

Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami spark buzz with ICC Champions Trophy 2025 predictions

The star Indian all-rounder Axar Patel said in the video shared by ICC on Instagram, “If you ask me, I think the India vs. Pakistan final will be a very important match. Everyone will enjoy it. So, I think it should be India vs Pakistan.”

Read Also: "If Rohit Sharma is in form"- Yuvraj Singh's unimaginable prediction for India vs Pakistan match

Meanwhile, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami added a twist to his prediction. The seasoned pace bowler admitted that an India-Pakistan final would be the most thrilling spectacle, but he feels New Zealand is a stronger contender for the title clash.

Shami stated, “If you want to make it more thrilling and interesting, then I would love to play India vs. Pakistan in the final. But I feel New Zealand is a stronger contender for the final than Pakistan.”

Our focus is only on winning the trophy: Ravindra Jadeja

On the other hand, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja decided to focus on the Men in Blue’s campaign in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Jadeja has emphasized that the team’s primary focus is on reaching the final and lifting the trophy, instead of on the opponent.

Jadeja said in the same video, “Honestly, whichever team comes into the final, it is very important for us to qualify. As a team, our focus is to qualify for the final and win the tournament.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ICC Hindi (@icchindiofficial)

Notably, the Indian cricket team has been on fire, winning their first match against Bangladesh by 6 wickets to find itself in the second spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 points table. New Zealand, who has also been in red-hot form, is leading the Group A table with a better net run rate than India.

Read Also: IND vs PAK Match Preview- ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 5

India and New Zealand lead Group A table

Both India and New Zealand have two points after playing their respective opening game, but the Kiwis’ NRR is +1.200 while Men in Blue have +0.408. On the other hand, Pakistan is currently ranked fourth in the Group A table and if they want to make it to the semifinals, they have to win their remaining two matches against India and Bangladesh or depend on other results.

Speaking about Group B, South Africa is at the top of the table with two points after thrashing Afghanistan in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener. Well, only the top 2 teams from each group would make it to the semifinals, so they couldn’t afford even a loss in the group stages.