WATCH: Virat Kohli and Babar Azam’s show of appreciation to each other in IND vs PAK match

The biggest match of the Champions Trophy 2025 got underway in Dubai in front of a packed crowd. The eyes were on two players who hold key value for their respective sides. The two stars in question are none other than Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, who have been compared over the years. 

There was a rare moment of bonhomie when Virat and Babar both gave each other a pat on the back. It was a huge show of respect both players have for each other despite the enormity of the rivalry that the two sides have. It is also to be noted that Virat and Babar are under tremendous pressure to perform on Sunday. 

Watch the video here - 

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Babar Azam began the tournament with his knock of 64 against New Zealand. Many fans and experts slammed him for playing a slow knock while chasing a huge target of 321 runs. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, scored 22 in the game against Bangladesh. The former India skipper was out, Rishad Hossain marking his third successive dismissal against a leg-spin bowler. 

Former Pakistan batter warns Pakistan ahead of match vs India 

Ahmed Shehzad took to his YouTube channel and warned Pakistan about Virat Kohli ahead of the clash on Sunday. The former Pakistan batter said, “Virat Kohli played a good knock against England in tough conditions. When you are short of runs and come up with such an innings, then your feet movement, body language, and all those things fall in place and it will be very good from Virat’s point of view.”

Shehzad also reminded the danger Kohli is with the bat while reminding of the former India skipper’s knock of 82. Kohli scored 82 not out in a key game vs. Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup match in Melbourne. Shehzad said, “He is such a player who plays magical innings in a big match. Remember how he snatched the match out of Pakistan’s jaws?

The former Pakistan skipper also warned Team India that their batters would need to bat well if they have to win. “Having all-rounders can work for you in T20Is, as Rohit Sharma says it adds depth to the line-up. But the captain would know if you lose early wickets in ODI’s, you have to plan your innings to reach the desired target; you need proper batters. That game awareness the all-rounders may not have”. Said Ahmed Shahzad.