Champions Trophy: Yuvraj backs Rohit Sharma ahead of India-Pakistan showdown
What's the story
Ahead of the much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash in the 2025 Champions Trophy, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind skipper Rohit Sharma.
Despite Sharma's recent form not being up to the mark, Singh is still confident of his abilities.
"Rohit Sharma, whether in form or out of form, it doesn't matter to me," Singh said on Jio Hotstar.
"In ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats, he has been India's biggest match-winner as a batsman," he added.
Praise
Yuvraj hails Rohit's match-winning abilities
Singh also praised Sharma's match-winning capabilities in ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats.
As mentioned, he called him one of India's biggest match-winners along with Virat Kohli.
"If Rohit is struggling but still gets runs, that's dangerous for the opposition. If he's in form, he will score a century in 60 balls," Singh stated.
Notably, the Indo-Pak game will be played in Dubai on February 23.
Analysis
Rohit's striking ability and Pakistan's edge
Further highlighting Sharma's striking ability, Singh noted his skill at playing short balls even at high speeds.
He also acknowledged that Pakistan might have an edge in the upcoming clash due to their familiarity with Dubai conditions.
"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai," Singh said, adding that both Indian and Pakistani players excel on slower wickets.
Insights
Inzamam-ul-Haq on India's backbone and Pakistan's strategy
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq also joined the debate, saying Sharma and Kohli are India's backbone.
"There is no doubt that all Indian players are very good, but Virat and Rohit are in a league of their own. That's because they have been performing consistently for nearly 20 years," Haq added in the duo's praise.
"If they get out early, it will make a significant difference in India's dressing room, and Pakistan's morale will rise," he said.
Track record
Rohit's performance against Pakistan and recent form
In his ODI career against Pakistan, Sharma has scored 873 runs at an average of 51.35 and strike rate of 92.38, including two centuries and eight fifties.
Despite a tough Test tour of Australia, he found form by scoring a century against England in the second ODI at home.
Additionally, he started his Champions Trophy campaign with a brisk 41 off 36 balls against Bangladesh.
Overall, Sharma owns 11,029 ODI runs at 49.01, including 32 tons and 57 fifties.