India vs Pakistan clash in a World Cup is more than just a cricket match for the fans. Emotions galore when the arch-rivals lock horns on the field. But it’s a different challenge altogether for the cricketers who are going to perform in front of a big crowd. The same will be the case when Rohit Sharma & Co. will face the men in green at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday. The fans will be decked up in blue to support Team India but what would be the key to success in such a high-pressure game, explains former head coach Ravi Shastri.
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The left-arm pacers have always tested the calibre of India’s top-order and the scenario will be no different when Shaheen Shah Afridi goes all guns blazing against the likes of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, if the latter makes it to the playing XI.
Speaking with Star Sports, the former India coach highlighted the pivotal role that Shaheen could play for Pakistan.
“I think Shaheen Shah Afridi against the Indian openers (is important),” Shastri said.
“It’s a given that that’s going to be the test, that it’s going to be the challenge. Whoever wins that will go a long way towards dictating terms in that game,” he added.
Kohli, Rohit hold the key for India
The former India all-rounder further opined that if any of the Indian batter manages to establish himself against the likes of Shaheen or Harris Rauf, Pakistan will find it difficult to get over India’s batting excellence as they could go on post a formidable total of 300, 320, or even 330.
“I think at the top, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be key. If they both get going and one gets a hundred, I emphasise that 300, 320, 330, that is very much a possibility,” Shastri noted.
“Similarly, from Pakistan’s point of view, I think in this game, again it will be at the top. You want their captain to fire. Babar Azam has not had a great run of late, but if he starts firing, getting that 80-100 early doors in the tournament, it’ll make his job as a captain a lot easier,” he added.
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If Pakistan has a fierce pace attack then India too have lethal artillery in their arsenal. Jasprit Bumrah has just picked up a 4-wicket haul against Afghanistan and will be backed by the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya.
“I think Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, because we know Bumrah is an x-factor, and if he gets it right he’ll be a thrill to watch. And Siraj I think has come of age. He’s one of the most improved bowlers in world cricket and can do wonderful things with the ball, it comes naturally to him. He can swing it, he can seam it, he’s got a great seam presentation. So I think these two will be great to watch if they’re on song,” said the former head coach.
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