IND vs PAK, Champions Trophy 2025: 'Anything Can Happen' - Gavaskar Disagrees to India Outright Favourite Tag

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has said India is 'not the outright favourite' in their highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday (February 23).

India holds a superior record of 16-4 when it comes to matches against Pakistan in ICC events - ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup. This factor and the start to the eight tournament has led to odds swinging the most in India's favour.

While Mohammad Rizwan's Pakistan suffered a 60-run loss to New Zealand in the tournament curtain-raiser at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Men in Blue led by Rohit Sharma opened their campaign with an impressive 6-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Many experts also are of the opinion that India are the favourites headling into the high-voltage clash, but former cricketer and India great Gavaskar has refused to rule out the possibility of Pakistan winning, saying one moment could change the contest.

"Anything can happen, as you need one player to change the game. Pakistan have several players who can do that. It is wrong to say that India is the outright favourite," said Gavaskar in a recent interaction on India Today.

Gavaskar, however, added that the all-round strength in the Indian team makes them favourites, but believes under-pressure Pakistan will take confidence from their slightly edge of 3-2 in Champions Trophy tournaments.

"India has all-around strength so that they will start as favourites. Pakistan would be under more pressure than India, having lost to New Zealand. This is one tournament where Pakistan scored over India, and they are looking forward to carrying that record forward," Gavaskar added.

In their last meeting in the Champions Trophy in 2017, Pakistan got the better of India in the final. India's wins over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy came in the group stage of the same edition and the 2013 edition. Pakistan's two other wins came in 2004 and 2009 editions.

India has also got the number on their arch-rivals in their ODI meetings at the Dubai venue, where Pakistan have won 2 of the 3 meetings in T20 format with wins in 2021 T20 World Cup and 2022 Asia Cup.

'India can play extra spinner vs Pakistan'

Gavaskar also added that India may look at testing Pakistan with more spinners in the line up by adding Varun Chakravarthy in the mix, and Hardik Pandya being a second new ball bowling option.

"Hardik Pandya can start with the new ball against Pakistan. India know about the pitch, and they are aware of what is needed against Pakistan. The pacers took wickets, but the spinners kept things tight against Bangladesh. India can add another spinner, Varun, against Pakistan," Gavaskar added.