‘If Shubman Gill gets out early, Pakistan will have a good likelihood’: Ramiz Raja ahead of India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match | Cricket News

India’s Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli run between the wickets. (PTI Photo)

As Pakistan put together for his or her high-stakes Champions Trophy showdown in opposition to India on Sunday, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and cricketer Ramiz Raja believes their underdog standing may work to their benefit.
In his column for Dawn, Raja steered that India’s top-order vulnerabilities and strategic bowling changes may open the door for a Pakistan upset on the Dubai International Stadium.
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“India already have a victory under their belt, beating Bangladesh in their first game. Pakistan, desperate to get off the mark, will enter the much-awaited game as the underdogs. But that can actually be an advantage because it allows them to play without much pressure,” Raja said.
Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat in opposition to New Zealand of their opening sport, leaving them in a must-win scenario. However, Raja famous that India’s batting mainstays, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are usually not in high type.

“India’s batting mainstays Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not currently in great form, and if Shubman Gill — who scored a century to guide India to victory against Bangladesh — gets out early, Pakistan will have a good chance to slow down India’s scoring,” he mentioned.
Raja highlighted their failure to rotate the strike successfully, pointing to the staggering 145 dot balls whereas chasing 320. “The top order often takes too long to start scoring and taking risks, worrying about getting out. This fearful mindset hinders the team’s ability to set or chase targets,” he noticed.
Pakistan’s bowling assault additionally wants a sharper method. Raja criticised their tempo bowlers for missing selection and management underneath stress. “Where are the yorkers, the slower bouncers, or subtle variations? The spinners have been bowling too fast and defensively. That will need to change,” he warned.

Despite Pakistan’s early setback, Raja stays optimistic. “It wasn’t the ideal start, but when playing against India, Pakistan often rise to the occasion and play with great passion for their country and fans. However, it is also important for them to stay calm under pressure and effectively follow their bowling plans, especially in the final stages of the match.”
With a sold-out stadium anticipated to be dominated by Indian supporters, Raja sees the stress as a potential motivator for Pakistan. “On Sunday, there will be added pressure. The stadium will be packed with more Indian fans than Pakistan fans. It would be a great day to win against the odds!” he concluded.