New Delhi

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two cricketers whose presence can bring India to a standstill, will likely head into their Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan this Sunday for the final time. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif expressed his belief that the 2025 Champions Trophy may mark the last occasion these heavily-reputed duo face their arch-rivals.

With both Virat and Rohit confirming their retirement from the shortest format, the next major 50-over ICC tournament will be the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

“I think this is their final ICC tournament. If you look at India’s batting lineup, you can see so many talented young players, like Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan, who are just waiting for their turn in the pecking order. I think this is their last time facing Pakistan unless they meet in the finals,” Latif told IANS.

'The Hitman' has played 19 ODIs against Sunday’s opponents, accumulating 873 runs. The 37-year-old averages 51.35 against Pakistan in ODIs, with a strike rate of 92.38. Rohit has scored two centuries and eight half-centuries in 19 ODIs against Pakistan.

In 16 matches, Kohli has scored 678 runs against Pakistan, averaging 52.15, with a strike rate of 100.29. He has scored three centuries, two half-centuries, and boasts a highest score of 183.

Sunday's clash is set to be a blockbuster, with Pakistan in a do-or-die situation after suffering a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening Group A match, while India triumphed with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. A loss for Pakistan on Sunday would make their qualification for the final round virtually impossible.

Latif further discussed the players he believes will be the key trump cards for each team in the highly anticipated matchup.

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“For India, it seems Shubman Gill is the answer. The way things are going, it seems he will have an impact on the Champions Trophy. But personally, I have always been wary of Rohit Sharma. He is a selfless batter, willing to sacrifice himself, and doesn’t care about milestones.”

“For Pakistan, it will be Shaheen Afridi. If they can get early wickets, only then will they have a chance in the match. I believe if Shaheen can swing the ball in Dubai, then he can hurt them,” he added.