Champions Trophy: Sourav Ganguly Says India To Dominate Pakistan, Predicts Early Exit For Hosts

The most eagerly awaited clash of the ICC Champions Trophy group stages is fast approaching, with Pakistan set to travel to Dubai for a crucial encounter against India in this fierce rivalry.

India made a strong start to their campaign with a victory over Bangladesh, while Pakistan were underwhelming in their defeat to New Zealand-a result that has prompted former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly to predict that the hosts will be eliminated in the group stage.

Photo Credit: PTI

Speaking at an event organised by construction chemical manufacturers Vura, for whom he is a brand ambassador, Ganguly expressed his belief that India would maintain their dominance over Pakistan in global tournaments.

"India is a very powerful white-ball side. The recent record against Pakistan shows that India have dominated them for a long time now," said Ganguly.

"In the last 25 years, as far as I can remember, India must have lost only once to Pakistan in a world tournament-whether it's the Champions Trophy, World Cup, or T20 World Cup."

That sole defeat occurred in the final of the previous Champions Trophy, where Pakistan emerged as emphatic winners.

'Pakistan doesn't play spin very well...'

Nonetheless, eight years later, Ganguly has backed India to triumph in the tournament.

"India are not just favourites against Pakistan but for me, they are favourites for this tournament," the former southpaw great remarked.

Ganguly identified India's high-quality spin attack as the key difference between the two sides. While Pakistan have performed well against spin in ODIs in recent years, they struggled against New Zealand, particularly against left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.

With India possessing both Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, Ganguly suggested that Pakistan could find it difficult to cope.

"On the wicket in Dubai, they will need spinners. I presume this Dubai pitch will turn a bit, and Pakistan doesn't play spin very well. India has quality spinners," he explained.

Finally, Ganguly stated that he expects India and New Zealand to advance from the group, especially if Pakistan suffer a second defeat. In such a scenario, Pakistan would rely on both Bangladesh and India to overcome New Zealand and then depend on net run-rate to progress.

"New Zealand have beaten Pakistan. So, New Zealand is ahead. If India beat Pakistan, then Pakistan will probably be out of the competition. So, I see India and New Zealand progressing from this group," Ganguly concluded.