The arch-rivals are due to square off in Dubai on February 23.
While India opened their Champions Trophy campaign with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, Pakistan suffered a 60-run thrashing at the hands of New Zealand and are currently holding the last spot in the Group A points table.
"When it comes to Pakistan, look, they have plenty of problems in the team," Pathan told PTI Videos.
"As far as some of the senior guys (are concerned), they don't play that kind of aggressive modern day cricket, especially in white-ball cricket. So, can they change it? It's very difficult.
"But more than the weaknesses and the strengths, it's all about the India-Pakistan occasion. Whoever handles the occasion really well, that team wins," he said.
Irfan Pathan reckons the Indian side is more equipped to handle pressure situations and big occasions.
"What we have seen in the recent past with the Indian team, we know how to handle a tough situation and the big occasion as well. As far as the talent is concerned, we are far ahead, especially in one-day cricket," he said.
Pathan stated that senior pacer Mohammad Shami will draw a lot of confidence from his five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, which helped him become the fastest Indian bowler to claim 200 ODI scalps.
"(It was) good to see Mohammad Shami get a fifer. He will get a lot of confidence out of it as well because after injury, coming back on the field, it's not easy especially for fast bowlers (but) he did well," Pathan said.
"We (India) have good all-round abilities in the team as well. Axar (Patel) is picking up wickets and we have a lot of options as well. Hopefully that momentum will be carried."
"Shubman (Gill) is in tremendous form and once Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) keep scoring runs consistently, this team will be unstoppable," he remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)