Champions Trophy: Rohit's Struggles Remain a Threat, Says Yuvraj
Ahead of India's big match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has defended captain Rohit Sharma, stressing that even if the Indian opener struggles, he is still a big threat to the teams in opposition.
The eagerly awaited Group A match between India and Pakistan will be held at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Rohit has an impressive record against Pakistan, having scored 873 runs in 19 innings at an average of 51.35, with two centuries and five half-centuries under his belt. He began his 2025 Champions Trophy with a quick 41 in India's six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, when vice-captain Shubman Gill was the showstopper with an unbeaten 101.
"Rohit Sharma, out of form or in form, I don't think it matters. I would always support my match-winners. In ODIs, particularly in white-ball cricket, he has been India's greatest match-winner along with Virat Kohli", Yuvraj stated on JioHotstar.
He also explained Rohit's capacity to overwhelm the opposition, pointing out his potential to win games on his own. "If Rohit is not in form but still scores runs, that's ominous for the opposition. If he's in form, he will make a century in 60 balls. That's his strength—once he gets into rhythm, it's not about hitting boundaries; he clears the ropes with ease", he said.
Yuvraj also eulogized Rohit's handiness against short pace, describing the Indian captain as among the best exponent of the short ball. "Even if anyone attacks at 145-150 kmph, Rohit has the capacity to hook it so smoothly. His strike rate always stays around 120-140, and on a day he is on, he can single-handedly win the match".
At the same time, India's squad selection to include five spinners for the championship has raised eyebrows, and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has already been vocal about the strategy. The three spinners selected by India, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, against Bangladesh failed to produce any wicket from Jadeja and Kuldeep but saw Axar producing two wickets, just one shy of a hat-trick.
Sidhu defended the selection, saying that Dubai's conditions and India's group-stage opponents warranted such a move. "Never before has a team included five spinners in the squad, and there's a reason for that. There are no second chances in the Champions Trophy. In India's group, New Zealand has three left-handers Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Tom Latham. Against them, you need an off-spinner", he explained.
In drawing historical precedent, Sidhu referred to India's triumphant 1983 World Cup victory, when all-rounders such as Madan Lal and Roger Binny made key contributions. "Likewise, India currently possesses quality all-rounders who introduce depth to the team. You can't downplay Dubai this isn't Sharjah; these are entirely different conditions", he added.
With Rohit's performance in the limelight and India's spin-oriented approach being questioned, everyone will be watching how the team fares against arch-rivals Pakistan in the pivotal match.
