India legend Sunil Gavaskar has picked Pakistan as favorites for the upcoming Champions Trophy due to playing on home soil.
Gavaskar said that home conditions, familiarity with local pitches and environments could make them a formidable opponent.
Indian fans will see their team kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, followed by the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on February 23.
Meanwhile, venues in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will host Pakistan’s games, ensuring vibrant local support.
The Indian batting great said that Pakistan’s resilience and strength at home, noting that it is always challenging to beat teams on their turf.
Reflecting on India’s performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, he praised their consistency but maintained that Pakistan’s conditions offer a unique advantage.
