Kohli hints at same playing XI in CT17 Final against Pakistan

June 18 (CRICKETNMORE) - The defending Chaampion  India will take on arch-rival Pakistan in the final of Champions Trophy 2017 at the Oval on Sunday. The two teams are looking to have their best XI in this crucial match.

Though Pakistan received good news in Mohammad Aamir being declared fit, India are now sweating over the fitness of Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner, while practising on Saturday, injured his knee. Although, he returned half-an-hour later on the field and went about business as usual, there is concern in the side. He played his role in India’s win over South Africa and Bangladesh. 

CT2017 Final - India vs Pakistan (Preview)

Kohli hinted that the team might not change the winning combination and chose to highlight what Pandya brings to the XI in the form of a batsman. “Not looking to change too many things, because I’ve said this before, I would back a guy like Hardik who provides you so much balance in conditions where he can be effective as a bowler. And his batting is priceless.

If you’re chasing a total and need eight an over and you’ve lost wickets, he’s a guy who can still win you the game. That’s the kind of belief he has in his ability and we have that belief in him. You know, he can give you a match-winning performance in any game that he plays, and he’s a gun fielder as well. It’s hard to find a package like that.

“You need to back guys like him regularly, and you will get results when the team is in crisis and he gives a match-winning performance. I would not think of changing anything at this particular stage,” Kohli said.

With Inputs from Agency