HomeNewsVirat Kohli: Nothing changes in our head when we face Pakistan
Virat Kohli: Nothing changes in our head when we face Pakistan
India have been the dominant side in the World T20 and the 50-over World Cup, leading Pakistan 11-0. However, in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have a superior record with two wins against India's one.
India captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday played down the hype surrounding their upcoming marquee clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, saying it is just another game of cricket for the players. Kohli was speaking to the media in pre-departure press conference as Team India assembled in Mumbai to fly to England to participate in the gala event on Wednesday. England and Bangladesh are scheduled to play the tournament opener on June 1, while defending champions India will be opening their campaign against Pakistan at the Edgbaston, Birmingham on June 4 amidst tense bilateral relations between the two nations.
Asked if playing Pakistan in the current political scenario is a good thing, Kohli said: “What do you think? You seem to have come here with your own mindset. With all due respect, whatever else is going on, as a cricketer, you can’t even think about your partner at the other end when you are batting. It’s about playing the game. Yes, India-Pakistan is always exciting for the fans. It’s different for them. For us, it is just a game of cricket. In our heads nothing really changes, it’s exactly the same for us. It’s not the first time we are playing against them. Playing for India, you don’t need extra motivation.”
India have been the dominant side in the World T20 and the 50-over World Cup, leading Pakistan 11-0. However, in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have a superior record with two wins against India’s first win over their rivals coming only in the last edition, in 2013. The Men in Blue last won the tournament in 2013 when they defeated England in the finals by 5 runs under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. After playing Pakistan, India are scheduled to play Sri Lanka on June 8 and South Africa on June 11 in London.
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