An in-depth squad comparison of the arch-rivals ahead of the biggest cricket showdown!
The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is one of the most intense and historic in the sport. Every encounter between these two nations brings unmatched excitement, with fans and players alike anticipating every ball bowled. As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the squads of both teams. Historically, the Champions Trophy has been a platform for these cricketing giants to showcase their best, and this year will be no different.
India and Pakistan have both had memorable campaigns in past ICC tournaments. While India has been the more successful side, securing multiple ICC titles, Pakistan’s unexpected triumphs, such as their victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy, add an element of unpredictability to every matchup.
This article will dive deep into the squad-by-squad comparison, analyzing strengths, weaknesses, key players, and tactical differences between India and Pakistan. Let’s get into the details and see which team holds the edge going into the 2025 tournament.
Squad Overview
India’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is a potent blend of experience and youth. With the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India boasts a well-rounded team that covers all bases. Here’s a closer look at the key players:
- Captain: Rohit Sharma brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to anchor the innings, he is crucial at the top.
- Top Batsmen: Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli are two of India’s most reliable top-order players. While Kohli is the backbone of the middle order, Gill provides much-needed aggression at the top.
- All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya is India’s go-to all-rounder, contributing both with the bat and ball. Alongside him, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel offer depth and versatility.
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Arshdeep Singh form a potent pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar provide excellent spin options.
India’s squad is well-balanced, with all the necessary components for success in a tournament like the Champions Trophy. From aggressive openers to world-class bowlers, they appear to have all bases covered.
Pakistan’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s squad is filled with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, and they’ll be looking to build on their historic 2017 Champions Trophy victory. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan has been a consistent performer for Pakistan and brings a calm, steady leadership style. His ability to bat under pressure will be key to Pakistan’s chances.
- Top Batsmen: Babar Azam is undoubtedly Pakistan’s star player, a class act in the top order. Fakhar Zaman can provide fireworks at the top, while Kamran Ghulam is an emerging talent to watch.
- All-Rounders: Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah are the key all-rounders in the team. Both have shown flashes of brilliance with both bat and ball, adding flexibility to the squad.
- Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah lead Pakistan’s fast bowling attack, with Haris Rauf providing a spark. Abrar Ahmed provide spin options.
While Pakistan’s squad may not have the same level of star power as India’s, they have a balanced side with key players capable of turning games on their own.
Batting Comparison
Top Order (Openers & No. 3)
India’s Top Order:
India has one of the most formidable top orders in world cricket. Rohit Sharma’s consistency at the top is unmatched, and Shubman Gill provides youthful aggression. With Virat Kohli coming in at No. 3, the top order has the ability to stabilize innings while maintaining a high scoring rate.
Pakistan’s Top Order:
Pakistan’s top order revolves around Babar Azam, who is one of the finest contemporary batsmen. Fakhar Zaman adds attacking flair at the top, but consistency can sometimes be a concern. Kamran Ghulam is still relatively new but has shown promise.
Who has the stronger top order?
India’s top order looks more settled, with proven performers in world cricket. The experience of Kohli, combined with the attacking nature of Gill and Sharma, puts India ahead in this department.
Middle Order (Nos. 4–7)
India’s Middle Order:
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul add stability to India’s middle order, with both being capable of scoring quick runs. Hardik Pandya’s versatility allows him to play the role of a finisher or a stabilizer depending on the situation.
Pakistan’s Middle Order:
Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir are expected to play significant roles in the middle order, with Khushdil Shah providing explosive finishing ability. However, Pakistan’s middle order lacks the consistency seen in India’s.
Who has more depth and consistency?
India’s middle order has more experience and consistency, with players like Iyer and Rahul providing stability. Pakistan’s middle order, though talented, is more prone to inconsistency.
Finishing Power
India’s Finishers:
With Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja in the lower order, India has two power-hitters capable of finishing innings on a high.
Pakistan’s Finishers:
Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha are Pakistan’s main finishers, but their ability to perform under pressure is still unproven at the highest level.
Who has better finishers?
India has a stronger finishing department, with proven finishers in Pandya and Jadeja, compared to Pakistan’s less experienced finishers.
Bowling Attack Comparison
Pace Attack
India’s Pace Attack:
Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best pacers in world cricket, and Mohammad Shami’s experience adds depth. Arshdeep Singh provides excellent support as a left-arm seamer, and India’s pace attack is known for its control and ability to pick wickets at key moments.
Pakistan’s Pace Attack:
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are two of the most exciting fast bowlers in world cricket. Their ability to generate pace and bounce can be lethal in subcontinent conditions. Haris Rauf provides an additional pace option, making Pakistan’s pace attack one of the best in the tournament.
Who has the stronger pace attack?
While India’s pace attack is experienced and consistent, Pakistan’s bowlers are more aggressive and have the potential to create more breakthroughs, especially in swinging conditions.
Spin Department
India’s Spinners:
Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar bring quality spin options, with Yadav being a wicket-taking machine and Sundar offering control in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja also adds depth with his left-arm spin.
Pakistan’s Spinners:
Abrar Ahmed and Salma Ali Agha will be Pakistan’s primary spinners. While they are talented, they do not yet match the experience or quality of India’s spinners.
Who has the better spin department?
India’s spin attack is superior, with multiple options and a proven track record in ICC events.
Death Bowling Strength
India’s Death Bowling:
Bumrah is one of the best death bowlers in the world, and with support from Shami, India has a reliable duo at the death. Arshdeep Singh also offers strong options in the final overs.
Pakistan’s Death Bowling:
Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are capable of bowling yorkers in the death overs, but their consistency at the death can sometimes be a concern.
Who has the better death bowling?
India’s death bowling is more reliable, with Bumrah providing the perfect balance of accuracy and pace.
All-Rounders & Balance of the Team
India’s All-Rounders:
Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel provide the right balance between batting and bowling. They offer flexibility, with the ability to impact the game in both departments.
Pakistan’s All-Rounders:
Faheem Ashraf, Salman ali Agha and Khushdil Shah bring much-needed balance to the team. However, they lack the all-round depth of India’s players.
Which team has the better mix?
India has a better balance in terms of all-rounders, with more depth and experience compared to Pakistan.
Head-to-Head in ICC Events
India and Pakistan have faced each other multiple times in ICC events, and while India has generally dominated the rivalry, Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy victory over India remains a historic upset. Here’s a brief look at their head-to-head record in ICC events:
- ICC Champions Trophy Record: India has won 3 Champions Trophy titles (2002, 2013, and 2017), while Pakistan has won 1 (2017).
- ICC World Cup Record: India has an undefeated record against Pakistan in World Cups.
Predicted Playing XIs & Key Players to Watch
India’s Predicted XI:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammad Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav
Pakistan’s Predicted XI:
- Mohammad Rizwan (c)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Khushdil Shah
- Faheem Ashraf
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
Key Players to Watch:
- India: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah
- Pakistan: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman
Conclusion & Match Prediction
Both India and Pakistan have formidable squads for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India’s team has more experience and depth in all departments, while Pakistan’s fiery pace attack and unpredictable batting can make them dangerous on their day.
On paper, India looks slightly stronger, but in a high-pressure ICC tournament, Pakistan’s flair and history of upsets make them a tough opponent. Cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest between these two teams!
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
