Ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy match against India, Pakistan’s interim head coach Aaqib Javed has enlisted former teammate Mudassar Nazar to assist in team preparations, particularly focusing on local playing conditions in Dubai. Mudassar, with his extensive experience and knowledge, joined the team to provide insights during nets sessions. Defending champions Pakistan need a win after losing to New Zealand to advance in the tournament. Meanwhile, Indian star Virat Kohli practiced intensively to address his recent struggles against spin, having been dismissed by spinners in his last six ODIs. The match is set for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.
India faces Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025© AFP
Pakistan’s interim head coach and selector Aaqib Javed has brought in former teammate Mudassar Nazar to help prepare the team for their pivotal Champions Trophy match against arch-rivals India on Sunday. Aaqib invited Mudassar to participate in the Pakistan team’s practice session in Dubai to provide his insights on the playing conditions, especially any recent changes. A source close to the team mentioned that Mudassar, who has been residing in Dubai for several years and works at the ICC Academy, has a deep understanding of the local environment. Mudassar, a former Pakistan coach and ex-Director of the PCB High Performance Centre in Lahore, joined the squad on Friday.
The experienced coach, who has also worked with Kenya and the UAE, will continue to support the team on Saturday, offering essential strategies ahead of the game with India.
Defending champions Pakistan, after their initial defeat against New Zealand, require a win over India to remain in contention for advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions Trophy.
Kohli focuses on spin play
Indian star Virat Kohli was serious about his preparations a day before the high-stakes clash with Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, arriving at the ICC Academy two hours ahead of the scheduled practice to work on his challenges against spin bowling.
Kohli, who faced difficulties with balls outside off-stump from pace bowlers during the Test tour of Australia, has also shown vulnerabilities against spin in recent ODIs.
The 36-year-old was dismissed by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in India’s opening Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh on Thursday, marking his sixth consecutive dismissal against spinners in ODIs.
He was caught at backward point while attempting to cut Hossain. In the previous series against England at home, leg-spinner Adil Rashid had also dismissed Kohli.
The former India captain will need to contend with players like Abrar Ahmed when India faces Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
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