ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sunil Gavaskar demands this radical change in India's playing XI vs Pakistan

Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has advised the Indian team management to make a key change to their playing XI ahead of their Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan. The legendary batter urged the Indian team management to include a fourth spinner in the playing XI for the much-awaited clash.

Team India began their campaign with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Group A. Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match. The upcoming clash is crucial for Pakistan, as another loss could dent their chances of progressing in the tournament.

India Can Add Varun Chakravarthy as an Extra Spinner Against Pakistan - Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar said India's spinners restricted Bangladesh’s scoring rate during the middle overs, even though the pacers claimed eight wickets. He added that India should strengthen their spin attack by including Varun Chakravarthy as a fourth spinner for the crucial clash against Pakistan.

Sunil Gavaskar also stated that Hardik Pandya could take the new ball against Pakistan, adding that India is familiar with the pitch conditions. He pointed out that Pakistan has been known for its fast bowling, but their current squad lacks quality spinners, with only one specialist in the team.

"Hardik Pandya can start with the new ball against Pakistan. India know about the pitch, and they are aware of what is needed against Pakistan. The pacers took wickets, but the spinners kept things tight against Bangladesh. India can add another spinner, Varun, against Pakistan," Sunil Gavaskar told in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak

"Pakistan’s strength has always been their fast bowling, but now they don’t have quality in the spin department, and that’s why they have just one spinner in the team," Sunil Gavaskar added.

India Set to Face Pakistan in Crucial Champions Trophy 2025 Clash

India, led by Rohit Sharma, will take on Mohammad Rizwan’s Pakistan in their next Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, February 23.

Pakistan suffered a heavy 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi. New Zealand posted a formidable total of 320, with centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young. The visiting team bowlers successfully dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup with both pace and spin.

Mohammed Shami Emerged as India's Standout Bowler in Opening Match

Mohammed Shami secured a five-wicket haul in his first appearance in the Champions Trophy. Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav controlled the scoring rate in the middle overs. Axar was on a hat-trick before Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali added a 150-plus stand to help Bangladesh post 228 runs.

India successfully chased down the target with six wickets in hand. Rohit Sharma provided a solid start in the powerplay, but India struggled in the middle overs. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul added an unbeaten 87-run partnership off 98 balls for the fifth wicket. Gill remained not out on 101 runs off 128 deliveries.

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