ICC Champions Trophy 2017: India vs Pakistan, Combined XI

Middle order

Kohli has a good track record against Pakistan

Virat Kohli can slot in any combined lineup in the world as his superlative form combined with his brilliant run against Pakistan makes him an instant choice and a captain-elect for this team. Kohli averages over 40 against today's opponents and has two centuries against them with the last one coming in the 2015 World Cup.

Though he bats usually at number 3, Babar Azam will have to be a satisfied with a two down spot. Azam has been Pakistan's best batsman of late and has scored 436 runs in 8 ODIs this year. He is currently ranked seventh in the world and this left-hander is a must have in the combined eleven.

Pakistan have an in-form and solid middle order on whom rests the responsibility to win a game. They can have a good Champions Trophy if their dependable middle order again fires for them. Shoaib Malik has been an experienced campaigner and has been chipping in with valuable contributions in the middle this year. He also loves scoring against India which is proved by his average of near 50 against the Blues and it was Malik who won the game for Pakistan with his knock of 128, the last time they beat India in an ICC event.

It is a tough call between MS Dhoni and Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmed but the Indian warhorse beats Ahmed to the wicketkeeping spot. Dhoni is a match winner and just as Ahmed, can play spin well. A game of this stature needs temperament and the ability to turn the game on its head which Dhoni has shown time and again in his career.