India faced its long-time rival Pakistan in the much-anticipated match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where emotions ran high, and tensions were palpable. Adding fuel to this historic rivalry, Abhay Singh, popularly known as IIT Baba, stirred controversy shortly before the game by boldly predicting India would lose.
IIT Baba, who gained fame during the Maha Kumbh Mela, declared on social media, “Main tumko pehle se bol raha hu, is baar India nahi jeetegi. Jo Jo hain, Virat Kohli... sabko bol do ki aaj jitke dikhaye. Ab maine mana kar diya hai ke nahi jeetegi to nahi jeetegi. Ab kya, bhagwaan bade hain ya tum bade ho?” (I’m telling you beforehand, India won’t win this time. Whoever it is—Virat Kohli, everyone—tell them to win today if they can. Now, I have said they won’t win, and they won’t.) This prediction sent ripples across the cricketing world, igniting discussions about prophecies and superstitions surrounding sports.
The stakes were high, especially for Pakistan, which came to the game needing to prove itself after losing to New Zealand. Fans were on edge as the cricketing giants prepared for battle, and many were not pleased with IIT Baba's audacious statements.
After the match commenced, it quickly became evident which side was commanding the field. India, riding high on momentum and form from its recent victory over Bangladesh, displayed their strength early on. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laid the groundwork for the chase, and even after Rohit’s dismissal by Shaheen Afridi, India's batting lineup continued to consolidate its position.
Virat Kohli, once again proving his mettle, partnered effectively with Shubman Gill and later with Shreyas Iyer, steering the chase with acumen and crisp shots. Kohli's batting ironed out nerves, eventually leading to what might be termed a clinical victory.
With India securing victory by six wickets, Kohli rounded off the match with flair. He finished with a resounding boundary, confirming India’s dominance not just over this game but also reinforcing their status within the tournament. According to reports, this result has significantly lessened Pakistan's hopes of progressing through the Champions Trophy.
Following India's decisive win, fans turned their ire toward IIT Baba, questioning his credentials. Comments flooded social media, with users humorously speculating about his potential escape from the onslaught of fans seeking answers. One user quipped, “Baba ko pura desh dhund raha hain” (The whole country is searching for Baba), reflecting the bittersweet humor prevalent among fans unable to fathom the predicted outcome.
Another post sarcastically remarked, “Location please 🙏 #IITianBaba,” as fans voiced their frustrations and rising doubts around the predictions made by Singh. While some dismissed his claims as mere superstition or theatrics, others worried about his influence on the morale of the Indian team.
The narrative of IIT Baba takes on various dimensions: he initially captivated audiences with his unconventional background, having left behind a career as an aerospace engineer to follow his path of spirituality. Nevertheless, controversy battered his rise; he was expelled from the Juna Akhara amid allegations of misconduct which only fueled more discussions about his credibility.
Despite IIT Baba’s attempt to inject spirituality and destiny’s hand, the cricket field is governed by skill, strategy, and sheer hard work—a point underscored by India's performance and victory. The real drama, as many fans are reminded, is played out not on social media platforms or through prophecies, but on the hallowed grounds of cricket. The win’s significance goes beyond merely progressing to the semis; it reinforces India’s prowess as they stride confidently through the tournament.
Once again, the age-old cricketing adage rings true: predictions may come thick and fast, but it’s the game played on the field where real legends are made—and where dreams are realized or dashed.