Rohit Sharma
When India and Pakistan meet, one of cricket’s oldest rivalries is also rekindled, like a marriage that despite being constantly on edge, remains just as passionate. While Virat Kohli is by far India’s most prolific batsman against Pakistan with 753 runs at an average of 47.37 from 19 innings, he isn’t nearly as effective at home as he is away from home. By contrast, Rohit Sharma has 682 runs against Pakistan with an average of 49.77 – including four hundred and seven fifties – and it should be no surprise then that he averages over 50 both at home and away to them.
Shikhar Dhawan
One of India’s most consistent batsmen over all formats, Shikhar Dhawan has made a mark against almost every team he has played. And while his recent form against Australia was less than impressive, there is no doubt that on his day, Dhawan is as good as any top-order batsman around. However, it’s been a different story against Pakistan. His 124 runs off 70 balls against Pakistan during their 2012 tour of India remains one of only two scores above fifty for him in 11 innings. He averages just 15.6 against Pakistan in T20Is and has never scored more than 20 runs in an innings. If India is to win today, they will need Dhawan to play a big part—and perhaps even bat through till the end. He’ll also need to find a way past Mohammad Amir (1/27) who dismissed him for eight runs during last year’s Asia Cup final and could well do so again today if he gets another chance at bowling to him. #2 Rohit Sharma: While Rohit Sharma may not be having quite as much success with the bat lately as earlier in his career, there is no doubt that when on the song, few can match up to him when it comes to power-hitting.
Suresh Raina
Raina is India’s top run-scorer against Pakistan, accumulating 1342 runs at an average of 58.69 with three centuries and eight fifties. In 14 matches between the two countries, Raina has scored more runs than any other player. Rainin’s bowling isn’t as prolific against Pakistan though; he averages 62 with the best bowling figure of 4/34 from 9 overs. He also played a key role in India’s successful ICC World Twenty20 campaign in 2016 where they beat Pakistan by 34 runs to lift their second World T20 title. He was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 85 off 50 balls which included five fours and five sixes. Yuvraj Singh: Yuvraj Singh averages 52.38 against Pakistan with 11 half-centuries to his name, including two centuries and three fifties. He has played 19 games (the most by any Indian batsman) against them and has scored 893 runs which are also more than anyone else on either side so far.
