ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Harbhajan Singh picks clear favorites for India vs Pakistan clash

Legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has picked India as the favorites for their Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan to be played in Dubai on February 23. Harbhajan feels that India will be well equipped for the conditions in Dubai which will give them an advantage over their opponents.

Harbhajan Singh also shed light on the current form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The former India spinner reckons that both Kohli and Rohit have plenty of cricket left in them and can still serve India for some years.

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Harbhajan Singh picks his favorites for India-Pakistan clash

While speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh spoke on the marquee clash between India and Pakistan in the group stage of the upcoming Champions Trophy. He feels that the team that will adjust to the conditions in a better way will win.

"The hype is being created regarding the India-Pakistan match...the team that is going to adjust better with the pitch will get a better result.

Harbhajan believes that India will have an advantage in this match since they will be in Dubai for a long time. He also feels that India have a better team as compared to Pakistan which gives them an advantage.

"India has an advantage, it will play all its matches in Dubai so it will have an idea about the pitch and conditions. Overall I feel the Indian team is better than the Pakistan team and the result will be in favour of India," he added.

India's matches in Dubai

While all the other teams will play in Pakistan, India will play all their matches in Dubai due to the hybrid model. The BCCI refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to the Indian government's refusal.

As a result, India will continue to play its matches in Dubai. If India qualify for the next stage, their matches will continue to be held in Dubai. The Men in Blue will start their campaign on February 23 against Bangladesh before facing the arch-rivals Pakistan.

Harbhajan Singh backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Harbhajan Singh also shared his thoughts on the importance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He feels that both the legendary players have a chance to prove themselves by doing well in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

"Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma) haven't scored as many runs as expected, given their past performances. The expectations are high, and when they fall short, criticism is natural. However, with the Champions Trophy ahead, they have a great opportunity to showcase their abilities and prove how they can still win matches for India," he noted.

The 44-year-old showed his faith in Kohli and Rohit and claimed that both are still fully capable of scoring runs despite their poor form of late.

"If they don't succeed, naturally, the young players waiting in the wings will start getting more opportunities. But I still believe both have plenty of cricket left in them--they are highly capable players who can still score runs," Harbhajan added.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma endured a disappointing Test season at home last year. Their poor form continued in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which put more pressure on them for their future.

However, both of them are great ODI players. Rohit even announced his return to form with a blistering 119 off 90 balls against England in Cuttack but Kohli is yet to get back amongst the runs.