“Hopes Are Very High”: Irfan Pathan On India’s Prospects In Champions Trophy 2025

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes India’s white-ball crew is “settled” and backed the Rohit Sharma-led facet to carry the upcoming Champions Trophy. The Champions Trophy is returning after greater than seven years, and India will see it as a chance so as to add one other ICC title to its title cupboard, particularly after the T20 World Cup success in Barbados. In the final version, India made its technique to the ultimate however fell quick in opposition to its arch-rival Pakistan and succumbed to a 180-run defeat. This time round, India will look to go all the best way and take centerstage with the trophy in India’s grasp.

With the event only a month away from graduation, Irfan feels India has a superb likelihood to carry the title house.

“Team India can because if you look at the white-ball team, it is pretty much settled. To add to that, there are a couple of young gun players, that can be added as well. One of them is Nitish Kumar Reddy. That will only make the team stronger. Plenty of options. Bowling will be very crucial. The hopes are very high,” Irfan stated in a video posted by Star Sports on X.

The eight-team occasion will comprise 15 matches within the 50-over format and will probably be held throughout Pakistan and Dubai. The earlier version finalists, India and Pakistan, are scheduled to face on February 23 in Dubai.

Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will function the three venues in Pakistan, internet hosting the event. Each venue will stage three group matches, with Lahore internet hosting the second semi-final.

Lahore is about to host the ultimate on March 9 except India qualifies, by which case the ultimate will probably be performed in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the ultimate may have reserve days.

Pakistan will face New Zealand within the Group A opener in Karachi on February 19. The Dubai leg will start the following day, with India taking up Bangladesh.

Champions Trophy Groups:

Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)