ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Australia, New Zealand kicked aside as Muttiah Muralitharan predicts 2 favorites

Legendary Sri Lanka spinner and World Cup winner Muttiah Muralitharan has shared his predictions for the favorites to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Muralitharan named last edition finalists India and Pakistan as his top picks for the upcoming tournament, which is set to commence on February 19.

The excitement is growing among cricket fans as the Champions Trophy is set to return after a gap of more than seven years. The top eight teams—India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and defending champions Pakistan—will battle for the prestigious title in the tournament.

Interestingly, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand are placed in the same group for the tournament. Pakistan will lock horns with New Zealand in the opening match, which is set to take place on February 19 in Karachi.

India and Pakistan Will Be Favourites - Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan revealed his favorites for the Champions Trophy. He emphasized that these teams are strong contenders but added that there are no guarantees in cricket. Muralitharan said that Pakistan have a home advantage, while India are also a top team in these conditions.

"See, there are favourites, but you can't be assured that this team will win. India and Pakistan will be favourites. Pakistan because of home conditions, and India is also a top team in these conditions," Muralitharan told ANI.

India bounced back in ODI cricket with a series victory against England at home after a disappointing 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka last year. The Rohit Sharma-led team sealed the three-match series with one game to spare. They will aim to remain unbeaten in their final series before the Champions Trophy 2025.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have been impressive in the away series, winning ODIs in Zimbabwe, Australia, and South Africa. However, they suffered a heavy 78-run defeat to New Zealand in the ODI tri-nation series opener in Lahore. Pakistan will look to regain momentum in their next match against South Africa.

I Think the Wickets Will Help the Spinners - Muttiah Muralitharan

The eight-team tournament will take place in Pakistan and Dubai, where the pitches are known for being batting-friendly. However, Muralitharan predicted that spinners would play a key role in the event. He added that Rashid Khan and Ravindra Jadeja will perform well, considering the favorable wickets.

"Rashid (Khan) is good, and there is (Ravindra) Jadeja. You have a lot of spinners coming through in world cricket, so they will do really well in this tournament because I think the wickets will help the spinners," he added.

Form Is Temporary and Class Is Permanent - Muttiah Muralitharan

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be under the spotlight during the Champions Trophy. Kohli is currently in a prolonged lean patch, while Rohit recently ended his run drought with a stunning century in the second ODI against England in Cuttack.

Muttiah Muralitharan believes both players will return to form, adding that "form is temporary, and class is permanent."

"I always say form is temporary and class is permanent. They are great players, and they will come to form."

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