New Delhi: Pakistan’s recent upturn in ODI form makes them better placed than India going into the Champions Trophy, believes Mohammad Amir, who says Rohit Sharma’s boys would be under pressure after coping a lot of criticism for loss in the Border-Gavaskar series.
The two traditional cricket rivals meet each other in the tournament’s blockbuster contest on February 23 in Dubai. Pakistan enjoy a 3-2 advantage over India in tournament match-ups though their overall record in ICC events in poor, having won only once in World Cups.
But they won an ODI series in Australia for the first time in 22 years and recently whitewashed South Africa in an away series while India slumped to a series loss in Sri Lanka followed by Test series defeats against New Zealand and Australia.
India skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are under immense pressure as they are in the midst of a prolonged form slump. Former Pakistan pacer Amir thinks it woukd have an impact in the meeting between the two sides.
“The way Pakistan has played recently — defeating Australia in Australia and then beating South Africa — shows their strength, especially in overseas conditions. Considering their recent performances, I think Pakistan will have the upper hand against India. However, India has always been my favorite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats,” Amir told the Times of India.
‘Sans Bumrah India’s bowling potency reduces significantly’
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s standout payer in their 1-3 BGT loss in Australia with 32 wickets, becoming the player of the series. But a back injury prevented him from bowling in the second innings of the fifth Test in Sydney.
Reports suggest he is expected to miss the group stage of Champions Trophy as he would only be fit in March. It would diminish the sting of India’s pace attack by a big margin, Amir said.
“It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn’t there. He has been a top bowler for India, leading the pack from the front. Without him, the Indian bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength,” he added.
The BCCI has asked Bumrah to report to its National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for monitoring of his injury and is likely to be named in the provisional Champions Trophy squad with a decision over his availability depending on the speed of his recovery.
India face Pakistan in the Champions Trophy’s blockbuster contest in Dubai on February 23 Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
