Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may face Pakistan for the final time in the Champions Trophy clash on Sunday, according to former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif. With Kohli and Sharma’s retirement from T20s confirmed, the next ICC 50-over tournament is set for 2027. Latif anticipates that India’s batting lineup, featuring emerging talents like Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan, signals a transition. In their matchups against Pakistan, Sharma has scored 873 runs in 19 ODIs, while Kohli has amassed 678 runs in 16 matches. Sunday’s game is crucial for Pakistan, who face elimination after a previous defeat, while India seeks to build on their victory.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two legendary cricketers capable of captivating the world’s most populous nation, are set to face Pakistan in what might be their last Champions Trophy encounter on Sunday. In an exclusive interview with IANS, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif expressed his belief that the 2025 Champions Trophy will mark the final meeting of this illustrious duo against their longstanding rivals. With both players having announced their retirement from T20 cricket, the next ICC 50-over tournament will be the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“I think this will be their last ICC tournament. If you examine India’s batting lineup, you’ll notice an abundance of talented young players, such as Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan, who are eager for their opportunities. This may also be their final showdown against Pakistan, unless they meet again in the finals,” Latif told IANS.
‘The Hitman’ has participated in 19 ODIs versus the upcoming opponents, amassing 873 runs. The 37-year-old boasts an average of 51.35 against Pakistan in ODIs, along with a strike rate of 92.38. Rohit has achieved two centuries and eight half-centuries across these 19 ODIs against Pakistan.
In his 16 matches against Pakistan, Kohli has accumulated 678 runs at an impressive average of 52.15 and a strike rate of 100.29. He has recorded three centuries and two half-centuries, with a remarkable high score of 183.
This Sunday’s match is expected to be exhilarating, as Pakistan finds themselves in a critical situation following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their first Group A match, while India claimed a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. A loss for Pakistan on Sunday would almost certainly jeopardize their chances of advancing to the final round.
Latif further elaborated on the key players he believes will be pivotal for their respective teams in this highly-anticipated encounter.
“For India, the trump card appears to be Shubman Gill. Given his current form, it seems he could make a significant impact on the Champions Trophy, but I’ve always had a particular respect for Rohit Sharma. He is a selfless player who prioritizes the team’s success over personal milestones.”
“For Pakistan, it hinges on Shaheen Afridi. If they can secure early wickets, they’ll stand a chance in the match. I firmly believe that if Shaheen can swing the ball in Dubai, he can be a threat to the Indian lineup,” he added.
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