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All eyes will be on Virat Kohli in the high-octane clash between India and Pakistan which will be staged at the Dubai International stadium on February 23. But looks like Virat Kohli has given India an injury scare right ahead of the highly-anticipated encounter.
Team India players were seen sweating it out in the training session in Dubai. But Kohli's dedication was on full display as he he arrived at the Dubai Stadium three hours ahead of the scheduled practice session to fine-tune fine-tune his form ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy match against Pakistan. Working closely with the coaching staff, Kohli, who is going through a form slump, is clearly focused on rediscovering his form.
Virat Kohli injured ahead of Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan?
But fans were left in a state of tizzy when a photograph circulated on X, showing Kohli with an ice pack on his left leg which hinted at a massive injury scare for India. The pic raised questions about his fitness, as he was seen walking with the ice pack applied. However, despite the lack of official statements regarding his condition, Kohli's presence and active participation in the practice session suggest that he is fit and ready. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the former India captain appears set to play an instrumental role in the high-voltage clash against India's arch-rivals Pakistan.
Watch the pic here:
A few hours after Virat Kohli's early arrival, Rohit Sharma and the rest of the Indian team joined him at the Dubai Stadium. During the practice session Kohli fine-tuned his game against spinners. He faced a variety of spinners, including leg-break bowlers, off-spinners, and a left-arm spinner, indicating a strategic approach to his practice.
This focused practice against spin suggests India's preparation for Pakistan's bowling attack, which includes part-time left-arm spinner Khushdil Shah and off-spinner Salman Agha. While the Indian batters would likely feel confident facing Pakistan's spin options, the primary challenge is expected to come from their pace attack. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, Pakistan's formidable pace trio, will be under pressure to perform after a disappointing show in their opening match against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, India will be heading into the match on a high as they notched an emphatic 6-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy campaign opener.
A win would practically secure India's place in the Champions Trophy semifinal. For Pakistan, having suffered a 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match, this encounter is a must-win to keep their tournament hopes alive.
India is expected to continue with their its winning combination by fielding an unchanged playing XI against Pakistan. In contrast, Pakistan will be forced to make at least one change to their lineup. Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2025 Champions Trophy, and Imam ul Haq has been named as his replacement.
