ICC Champions Trophy final, India vs Pakistan: Players to watch out for

London: This year’s ICC Champions Trophy final will be contested by two of the fierce rivals in cricket. The contest which is considered to be bigger than 'Ashes' will see India take on Pakistan, and this match is expected to break records in terms of rating and advertisements. Fans from both the countries will be glued to their TV sets to watch the mouthwatering final.

Pakistan have entered the final of an ICC event after 10 years, while India are the favourites and defending champion. India had already beaten Pakistan in their opening match by 124 runs. But the green army have managed to pull up their socks after the thrashing and have played some good cricket.After managing to crawl into semi-final, they beat England to enter finals.

India, on the other hand, has been going from strength to strength. Their only hiccup in the tournament was when they were beaten by Sri Lanka and other than that they have put up dominant display.

Here, we look at the players from both the teams who have big role to play in the final.

India:

Shikhar Dhawan

(Photo: AP)

Known as the 'Gabbar' in the team, his love for ICC tournaments continue. The attacking left-handed opening batsman has made his willow do all the talking throughout the tournament. Dhawan is the leading run scorer in the tournament with 317 runs in four matches played so far. Dhawan had scored 68 runs against Pakistan in the group fixture and he would like to continue to score runs in the finals as well.

Rohit Sharma

(Photo: AP)

The other half of opening pair has also been in great form with the bat. The Hitman has been the second highest run-getter in the tournament with 304 runs. So far Rohit has scores of 91, 78, 12 and 123 not out. The right hander is in brilliant form and the runs from his bat will be vital for the team if India needs great start at the top.

Virat Kohli

(Photo: AP)

The Indian captain is currently fifth in the list of run-scorers in the tournament. He has three half centuries in the tournament. His scores so far has been 81,0,76 and 96 not out. Against Pakistan he had scores 81 runs in the group game. More runs are expected to flow through his bat in the final

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

(Photo: AP)

He has been a vital cog in India's bowling department, especially in English conditions. The pacer has picked up 6 wickets in four matches he has played in the tournament so far. In the final against Pakistan Bhuvi's bowling in the Powerplay and death overs will be vital for India.

Jasprit Bumrah

(Photo: AP)

The slinga from India is the go to man in the death overs. His variations in the final overs have not only troubled the opposition, but has also fetched him wickets. The death over specialist has just managed to pick up 4 wickets in the tournament. The pacer would like to add couple of more wickets to his tally in Sundays final.

Pakistan:

Hasan Ali

(Photo: AP)

He has been the find of the tournament for his side. The young bowler has scalped 10 wickets in the tournament and is also the leading wicket-taker. The youngster has delivered with the ball when his team needed the most. The right-arm pacer will have the task of providing breakthrough for his team in the final.

Junaid Khan

(Photo: AP)

The left-arm pacer missed the first match against India, but will be looking to make amends in the final. He is the second highest wicket taker for his team with 7 wickets. He, along with Hasan Ali and Mohammed Amir form a potent bowling unit that can destroy any batting line up.

Azhar Ali

(Photo: AP)

The right handed-batsman has been the leading run-scorer for Pakistan with 169 runs in the tournament. His experience at the top of the order along with young Fakhar Zaman will be vital for his side in the final against India.

Fakhar Zaman

(Photo: AP)

The attacking left-handed batsman has been the second highest run-getter for his country in the tournament with 138 runs. The final against arch-rival India provides him an opportunity to showcase his batting skills and provide his team a quick start at the top.

Mohammad Hafeez

(Photo: AFP)

The right-hander is an experienced campaigner. His big match experience will come in handy in the middle. Hafeez can also chip in wickets and stop flow of runs with his bowling. His contribution will be important factor in team’s success.