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The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, marking the return of the tournament after an eight-year hiatus. With the subcontinent conditions expected to play a crucial role, teams will have to strategize carefully to adapt to the slow pitches and assist their spin and pace combinations effectively. Cricket fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the high-intensity battles between the top eight teams, making this edition a highly competitive and thrilling affair.
Muttiah Muralitharan picks two players crucial for India’s campaign in the tournament
Legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be the key players for India’s success in the tournament. Despite the fluctuations in their form, he strongly backs the experienced duo to rise to the occasion.
“They (Virat and Rohit) are world-class players. It is always said that class is permanent (and) form is only temporary. So they will come in (batting) form. Rohit has scored a century and Virat will also come in form. Definitely, they have to be in form in this tournament to make India win,” said Muralitharan as quoted by PTI.
Both Kohli and Rohit have been instrumental in India’s past ICC triumphs, and their vast experience in handling pressure on the big stage makes them indispensable for India’s campaign in Champions Trophy 2025.
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Subcontinent teams to have an advantage in Pakistan and UAE
Muralitharan also emphasized that teams from the subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, will have an edge over other teams due to their familiarity with spin-friendly conditions in Pakistan and UAE.
“This (spin bowling) is more important because the wickets in Pakistan will help the spinners, even in UAE. I think spinners will play a big role in this tournament,” he added.
Highlighting the depth of India’s bowling attack, Murali pointed out that India have a balanced combination of quality spinners and pacers, which will be a crucial factor in the tournament.
“There are a lot of good spinners in the world because if you take India, there are about four spinners in the team. India has an all-round attack because they have got very good spinners and fast bowlers as well. Even Pakistan has the same. These subcontinent countries have a balanced attack for such playing conditions,” Muralitharan explained further.
