India-Pakistan game always feels like a final: Yuvraj Singh

India will take on Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai, on Sunday, February 23. The tussle has got immense hype owing to non-frequent battles between both countries on the international stage. The last time both the teams met was in the T20 World Cup 2024 game in June. India had outclassed Pakistan by just six runs in a closely fought-game. 

One of the modern-day cricketers, Yuvraj Singh, has been part of several intense clashes. Be it the T20 World Cup 2007 final, the World Cup 2011 semifinal and the Champions Trophy 2017 final, the all-rounder was at the forefront of every event. Speaking of the rivalry he said, ‘nothing is guaranteed’ when both countries meet, highlighting the stakes involved in every game. 

"No matter the format, an India-Pakistan game always feels like a final—whether it’s a group match, a semifinal, or the championship itself. The pressure is immense. You don’t want to lose because it sets the tone for the tournament. Winning builds momentum and confidence. I remember the last time I played in the Champions Trophy, we beat Pakistan in the first game, but they beat us in the final. So, nothing is guaranteed. But starting with a win on such a big stage, with the whole world watching, is crucial,” Yuvraj said on JioHotstar’s 'Greatest Rivalry Returns' show.

Also Read: 'Game has shifted towards individual brilliance' - Inzamam-ul-Haq on India-Pakistan rivalry over years

Yuvraj played blistering knock against Pakistan in 2017 Champions Trophy

Meanwhile, speaking of Yuvraj Singh, after coming back to professional cricket after a personal setback, he smashed the fastest fifty by an Indian in the Champions Trophy in a league game against Pakistan in 2017. The southpaw scored 53 off just 32 balls laced with eight boundaries and one maximum. It was a rain-marred game and India went on to win the game by 124 runs (via DLS method) after posting a target of 320 runs. Yuvraj was in return named as Player of the Match for his spectacular batting performance.