Aakash Chopra Fearful Of India’s Chances Versus Pakistan In Dubai After Struggle Against Bangladesh

Aakash Chopra, a former cricket player for India, voiced his worries about the side captained by Rohit Sharma's impending match against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

According to Aakash Chopra, India may find the match more difficult due to the spin-friendly conditions at the Dubai International Stadium.

India struggle vs Bangladesh

On Thursday, February 20, the Men in Blue defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in their Group A encounter in Dubai to start their Champions Trophy campaign. Before getting bowled out, the side captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 228.

The fast bowlers swept through Bangladesh's batting order, even though the Dubai pitch favored spinners. Eight of the ten wickets that fell were taken by them. With scores of 3/31 in 7.4 overs, Harshit Rana supported Mohammed Shami, who was the best bowler with 5/53 in his 10 overs.

The tournament's pitches in Dubai seem to be comparable to those in India. Notably, this was probably taken into account by the team administration and selectors when they decided to include five spinners in the 15-man roster. Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar were not included in the starting lineup for the opening game.

India could out-bat Pakistan like New Zealand, but this Dubai wicket: Aakash Chopra worried

According to Aakash Chopra, there isn't much grass on the surface, which could hamper high-scoring matches. Chopra claimed that considering the circumstances, the Men in Blue's choice to select a large number of spinners made sense. On a flat pitch, India's batting could dominate Pakistan, like New Zealand did in Karachi in the opening match, as per Chopra.

"The square at the Dubai International Stadium is dry and has very little grass coverage. While that justifies our decision to pack the team with spinners (still one too many IMO), I’m not overjoyed at the thought of playing against Pakistan on a surface that’s likely to produce a 270-280 kind of game at best. On a flat pitch—India could out bat Pak like NZ. Not here. #IndvPak," Chopra wrote on X.

The square at the Dubai International Stadium is dry and has very little grass coverage. While that justifies our decision to pack the team with spinners (still one too many IMO), I’m not overjoyed at the thought of playing against Pakistan on a surface that’s likely to produce a…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 21, 2025

IND vs PAK do or die for Pakistan

Mohammed Shami claimed his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs. With a tenacious century, Towhid Hridoy was Bangladesh's most impressive batsman. With an undefeated 101 and his seventh ODI century, Shubman Gill spearheaded the run chase. Because of his excellent batting, he was named Player of the Match.

Pakistan and India will clash on February 23 in Dubai. This match is a do-or-die match for Men in Green after they lost the opening match to New Zealand. A loss here will eliminate Pakistan from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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