Prior to the clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC Mean T20 World Cup tournament, the former Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar believes that the stakes are always high when India and Pakistan play together in a world championship.
He also said that given the shape of the Indian team and statistics, Pakistan would not be a major challenge. “There is always a lot at stake when India and Pakistan play together, but when you look at Team India’s current form and the stats I don’t think Pakistan will be that much of a challenge,” Agarkar said on the show “Class of 2007”. on Starsport.
ALSO READ | Virat Kohli reacts as Rahul Dravid is reported to succeed Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach
“But I think we shouldn’t take our neighbors lightly because cricket is a fun game and things can change anytime, especially in the T20 format,” he added.
Commenting on the 2007 World Cup, which India won after beating Pakistan in the final five runs, Agarkar said, “The entire tournament (T20 World Cup 2007) was a dream tour for us. We never thought that a bunch of youngsters could achieve something like that. ”An achievement, also against Pakistan. I think the rivalry between India and Pakistan is always a flood of emotion and is one of the most anticipated clashes at the World Cup. “
Regarding India and Pakistan, both teams have not played a single bilateral series since 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for a short T20I and ODI series. The last time India faced Pakistan was at the 2019 ODI World Cup, when India beat Pakistan and maintained its unbeaten world championship record.
ALSO READ | “What is the point of playing?”: Harbhajan Singh taunts Shoaib Akhtar before the duel between India and Pakistan
Before the game, however, Indian skipper Virat Kohli downplayed the hype surrounding the clash. Speaking at a press conference, Kohli said it will be just one more cricket game for India against Pakistan on October 24th.
“To be honest, I never felt that way,” said Kohli when asked if it was any different for him to play against Pakistan. “I just approached this game as just another cricket game and I know there is a lot of hype around this game, especially with ticket sales and demand for tickets,” he added.
“Freelance pop culture practitioner. Proud social media scholar. Total travel fanatic. Food maven. Coffee specialist.”