Every India-Pakistan match is like the championship game: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh, a contemporary cricket player, has participated in a number of high-stakes matches. The all-rounder was in the forefront of every event, whether it was the Champions Trophy 2017 final, the World Cup 2011 semifinal, or the T20 World Cup 2007 final. In reference to the rivalry, he stated that “nothing is guaranteed” when the two nations play, emphasizing the high stakes of each match.

On Sunday, February 23, India will play Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. Due to the infrequent diplomatic conflicts between the two nations, the contest has generated a great deal of hype. The T20 World Cup 2024 match in June was the last time the two teams faced each other. In a fiercely contested match, India had defeated Pakistan by a just six runs.

“Whether it’s a group match, semifinal, or the title itself, an India-Pakistan encounter always seems like a final, regardless of the format. There is a great deal of pressure. Since it sets the tone for the tournament, you don’t want to lose. Gaining momentum and confidence comes from winning.

The last time I participated in the Champions Trophy, we defeated Pakistan in the opening match, but they defeated us in the championship match. Therefore, nothing is assured. But it’s vital to start with a victory in front of the entire world on such a large stage. Yuvraj stated during the ‘Greatest Rivalry Returns’ program on JioHotstar.

In the 2017 Champions Trophy, Yuvraj Singh produced a scorching knock against Pakistan.

Speaking of Yuvraj Singh, he broke the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian in a Champions Trophy league match against Pakistan in 2017 after returning to professional cricket following a personal setback. With eight boundaries and one maximum in just 32 balls, the southpaw scored 53 runs. After setting a target of 320 runs, India won the match by 124 runs (using the DLS technique) despite the rain. Yuvraj Singh outstanding batting effort earned him the title of Player of the Match.