2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Final – India Vs Pakistan – India’s Predicted XI

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:37 PM

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2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Final – India Vs Pakistan – India’s Predicted XI

The environment in South Asia on Sunday will not be anything less than a curfew-like situation. When India and Pakistan take on each other in the final of what can easily be termed as the most daunting ICC event, the globe watches, and watches in amazement. The fact that this rivalry has made the sport a far richer fraternity is an understatement in itself.

Over the years, we have been entertained with some mindboggling India – Pakistan games and fans can expect a similar outing on Sunday. Having said that, both these promising teams have played an entertaining brand of cricket and made this tournament a complete blockbuster. On the big day, however, the team that can handle the nerves better, will ultimately lift the crown.

For India to succeed, the men in blue needs to get their playing combination spot in, and below we have a look at the India’s Predicted XI.

  1. Rohit Sharma:

Fresh from a fascinating ton against Bangladesh, this right-hander’s confidence will be quite high. In what has been a complete effortless knock, Sharma just toyed away with the helpless bowling unit of Bangladesh. It was against this very team on the 4th when he made his ODI comeback after an injury. Having scored a fine 91 back then, Rohit will now be eyeing the elusive three-figure mark for the big game.

Shikhar Dhawan.
  1. Shikhar Dhawan:

The leading run-getter in this competition so far, Shikhar Dhawan has answered his critics in the best way possible. Known to be the man of big events, this southpaw has always relished batting in England. Against Bangladesh, Dhawan might not have scored a big knock, but his rapid start pretty much batted the Tigers out of the game. There would be no better way for Dhawan to end this tournament with a big one in the finals.

  1. Virat Kohli (c):

The sheer flawlessness and fluency with which Kohli batted against Bangladesh in Birmingham, that alone must have rattled the Pakistani camp. This tournament, which is also Kohli’s first ever as India’s full-time captain, has been a memorable affair for him from a team point as well as with the bat. He could make it far more memorable by playing another masterclass of a knock at the Oval.

  1. Yuvraj Singh:

It was against this team itself in India’s campaign opener where Yuvraj was named the Man of the Match for his game-changing half-century. It was just the reason he was brought into the team, as he remains an absolute gem in turning games around in the middle overs. Known to be India’s greatest match winner in this format, the Lion of Punjab will be eager to roar in London.

  1. MS Dhoni (wk):

Having batted just once in this competition, Dhoni did quite well by finishing India’s innings with a flurry against Sri Lanka. His advice to Virat Kohli of handing Kedar Jadhav the ball did wonders in the previous game and his presence alone keeps the opposition on its toes. Undoubtedly the best finisher of the game, don’t be surprised if Dhoni finishes off this event for India with a six, yet again!

  1. Kedar Jadhav:

He can build an innings, finish in style and even take wickets. Such is the contribution of the perfect team man for India – Kedar Jadhav. Like Dhoni, Jadhav has batted just once in this competition but it was his bowling which turned the semi-final on its head against Bangladesh. Expect Jadhav to roll his arm in the middle overs, and if needed, even strike with the ball.

  1. Hardik Pandya:

While there are calls to axe this mighty talented all-rounder for the big game, India ideally should persist with him no matter what the situation is. Pandya as an all-rounder has a glamorous X factor associated with his playing style and make no mistake he can win you the game right on his own. Having been a part of the side throughout the tournament, it’s justified to back Pandya for the main game.

  1. Ravindra Jadeja:

Having been superb with the ball and already topping the wicket charts for an Indian in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy, Jadeja will be eager to dent Pakistan in the middle. It was his spell in the previous Champions Trophy final which decimated England. Another repeat of that show and India would defend its title.

  1. Ravichandran Ashwin:

Despite being wicketless in the semi-final, dropping R. Ashwin for the all an important match wouldn’t be the right move. Ashwin is a world class spinner who performs on the big day when it matters the most. Just for his valuable experience and his ever reliable ten overs, Ashwin is a must in the unit.

  1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

Enjoying a rich vein of form in this tournament, a lot will depend on the new ball strikes of Kumar. His battle against Fakhar Zaman could dictate the outcome of the match and all Kumar needs to do is bowl a tight stump to stump line, while taking the odd-ball away. Expect him to be at his best for the big game.

Jasprit Bumrah.
  1. Jasprit Bumrah:

Surely the best bowler at the death in world cricket now, Bumrah has been a class apart. He was among the wickets against Bangladesh and ever since he has been given the new ball responsibility, there has been a spike in his form. The pacer’s spell will be critical for India’s chances in this competition.

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