India-Pakistan is overhyped game because Men in Green are 'very inconsistent': Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh feels the hype surrounding the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 is unwarranted, as the Men in Green will be underdogs due to their inconsistency. He also stated that he doesn’t see it as a battle between equals. read more

Former Indian star spinner Harbhajan Singh has refused to hype up upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, stating that there’s a good chance of having a “one-sided” game when the two teams clash due to the inconsistency of the Pakistan cricket team. India take on Pakistan in a group game in Dubai on 23 February.

Team India went into the tournament on the back of a 3-0 ODI series win over England while Pakistan lost the tri-series final to New Zealand. Harbhajan said that the “difference is very high” between India and Pakistan with the former looking “too solid”.

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‘Pakistan is a very inconsistent team’: Bhajji

“This India-Pakistan game is an overhyped game because there is nothing in it. India is a very strong team. Pakistan recently lost against New Zealand while playing at home. Pakistan is a very inconsistent team, and if you look at their statistics and compare them with Indian batsmen and bowlers, you will get a clear picture,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

“When I look at both teams, the difference is very high. India’s team looks too solid. Pakistan’s team appears weak apart from Babar [Azam] and [Mohammad] Rizwan. If we talk about Babar and Rizwan, then apart from them, no other batsman stands out. Their bowling unit is also not in form.”

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The 44-year-old legendary spinner added that there’s a good chance of watching a “one-sided” game on 23 February. “The prices of tickets have increased a lot, but I don’t think the game will be as exciting as people are expecting. In this overhyped game on February 23, I think it will be a one-sided game.”

Harbhajan picks Fakhar Zaman as Pakistan’s best batter

The former India cricketer added that Fakhar Zaman could be a Pakistani player who can take the game away from India. Remember Fakhar hit a hundred when Pakistan defeated India in the Champions Trophy 20217 final.

“I have taken out some statistics. Their main batsman, Babar, has an average of 31 against India. A top batsman should have an average around 50. Rizwan has an average of 25 against India. Fakhar is the only opener who has a solid average of 46. He can take the game away from India. But beyond that, their batting does not inspire confidence. Faheem Ashraf’s average is 12.5, and Saud Shakeel’s is just six against India. When I look at that batting lineup, I do not feel confident that this team can fight against India,” he shared.

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Harbhajan also analysed the Indian side and said that Indian batters are in good form and ready to do well in Champions Trophy 2025.

“India is very strong. Rohit [Sharma] has just scored runs, [Shubman] Gill has scored runs, Axar Patel is in form. [Virat] Kohli recently scored a fifty. Although he is not in the form we are used to seeing, I believe he will succeed because he always performs in big tournaments. KL Rahul’s form is also good.”

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