ICC Champions Trophy 2025: "Same case with Babar Azam" - Fakhar Zaman's verdict on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's struggles

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman, who is currently playing in the ILT20 2025 for Desert Vipers, has denied considering Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not big threats anymore due to their declining form ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, Kohli and Rohit’s slump is a major concern for the Indian cricket team, but Fakhar Zaman thinks otherwise. Defending the Indian cricket legends, Pakistani cricketers urged the fans and critics to respect their stature and legacy.

Fakhar Zaman dismisses concerns over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's form ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Zaman acknowledged Virat and Rohit’s current struggles, but he emphasized that their remarkable track records as match-winners for Team India are far from any temporary dips in performance. He also slammed the media for just focusing on India's batting icons’ few below-par performances.

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The Pakistani opener also reminded everyone why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered two of the greatest modern-era batters by saying that they are match winners who have won several games for India. He also stressed that the class and legacy don’t fade.

Furthermore, Fakhar Zaman has noted that people must assess Kohli and Rohit based on their caliber, saying it is unfair to question their abilities based on recent form. He also mentioned that they always plan against them, keeping in mind that they are at their peak, thanks to the impact they have had over the years on the game.

We assess them based on their caliber, not form: Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman said during a select media interaction: “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have played so much cricket that you always see them as match-winners. They have done it so often in the past. You cannot stop viewing them as match-winners because they are out of form. You need to look at their class and legacy. And they said that form is temporary, but class is permanent. So, it is the same for both Virat and Rohit.

"I think people are highlighting their form just too much. It is the same case with Babar Azam when he does not perform in a couple of matches. Their current form doesn't matter to us. They're match-winners who have brought many victories. We assess them based on their caliber, not form. When we plan, we think of them at their peak.”

Fakhar Zaman on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's form: "Their current form doesn't matter to us. They're match-winners who have brought many victories. We assess them based on their caliber, not form. When we plan, we think of them at their peak."

Video Credit: Desert Vipers. pic.twitter.com/bKsCkpDcze

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) January 17, 2025

Fakhar Zaman names key players for India at the Champions Trophy 2025

Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricketer has also named key players who could emerge as game-changers in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the Indian cricket team. Zaman picked Kohli, Rohit, and Hardik Pandya as the key players to make a significant impact for India in the tournament.

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Fakhar stated, “In my opinion, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will prove to be important players for India.” On the other hand, Pakistan will miss the home crowd in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against India in Dubai.

Zaman admitted the lack of home crowd support for Pakistan in Dubai but stressed that it is always about how they play on the ground, and they are ready for another thrilling battle with the old foes next month.

He signed off by saying, “There will be a lack of home crowd support in the match against India, but I hope we will still get support in Dubai. Crowd support is important, but what’s most important is how we perform as a team on the ground.”