Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes India’s white-ball team has “settled down” and has backed the Rohit Sharma-led side to lift the upcoming Champions Trophy. The Champions Trophy returns after seven years and India will see it as an opportunity to add another ICC title to their title cabinet, especially after the success of the T20 World Cup in Barbados. In the last tournament, India advanced to the finals but was defeated by arch-rival Pakistan by 180 runs. This time, India will take center stage with the trophy in their hands.
With just a month to go before the tournament begins, Irfan believes India have a good chance of taking the title home.
“The Indian team can do that, because if you look at the white-ball team, it’s pretty much set. There are also a few young gun players who can add to it. One of them is Nitish Kumar Reddy. This will make the team stronger. “Bowling will be very important.” Irfan said in a video published by Star Sports on X.
The eight-team tournament will consist of 15 matches in a 50-over format and will be held across Pakistan and Dubai. India and Pakistan, the previous finalists of the tournament, are scheduled to meet in Dubai on February 23.
Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi will be the three venues in Pakistan to host the tournament. Each venue will host three group stage matches, with the second semi-final taking place in Lahore.
Lahore is scheduled to host the final on March 9 unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be held in Dubai. There are reserve days for both the semi-finals and finals.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in their Group A opener in Karachi on February 19. The Dubai match begins the next day, with India taking on Bangladesh.
Champion Trophy Group:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, United Kingdom.
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