Irfan Pathan, the former all-rounder, claimed that now the Indian white-ball team feels “settled” and backed the Rohit Sharma-led side to lift the upcoming Champions Trophy. After a gap of 7 long years, the trophy returns, and India will see it as a chance to include another ICC title in its cabinet, particularly after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados. Last edition saw India making it to the finals but losing to its arch rival Pakistan with a score of 180 runs. This time India would like to go all the way and take the center stage with the trophy in its grasp.
India is just a month away from the tournament, and according to Irfan, they have a good chance to take the title home.
“India can quite manage because if you look at the white-ball team, it is much settled. In addition, there are a few young-gun guys in the team, one of them would be Nitish Kumar Reddy, which will make the team stronger. Great options are possible. Bowling will be crucial. Great hopes,” Irfan said in a video posted by Star Sports on X.
The eight-nation competition will be staged under the Dome with 15 50-over matches being hosted in Pakistan and Dubai. As per the schedule, the arch-rivals of the last edition, India and Pakistan, will be pitted against each other on February 23 at Dubai.
The three venues of Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will host this tournament and will stage three matches of group competitions in Lahore, which will witness the second semi-final.
The Final Event: If India Qualifies for Finals, It’s Set for Dubai Otherwise March 9 Will Be the Date In Lahore. Reserve Days Stand for the Semi-finals and Final.
February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, opening match Group A, Karachi. The Dubai leg resumes with Bangladesh vs India on February 20.
Champions Trophy Groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
