Published: Feb 15, 2015, 06:38 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 15, 2015, 12:38 PM (IST)
India take on Pakistan at Adelaide on Sunday in what could be the biggest match for them in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 — at least in the league stages. Devarchit Varma lists down the reasons why India’s win can change the scene for MS Dhoni and his team heading into the other matches in the first round. Live Score: IND vs PAK
India have never lost to Pakistan in the history of World Cup cricket, and that would be a statistic they would be expected to remain intact when they take on the arch rivals at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. While both India have Pakistan have not had much success in recent past, a win would put either of the sides on a good platform which can set the tone early on for them in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Scorecard: India vs Pakistan ICC World Cup 2015 match
While Pakistan are an inconsistent side with lot of talent in their ranks along with the unpredictability, but India are a formidable side with a string of match-winners in their ranks. It promises to be a cracking Sunday, as the world will be glued to their television sets and wherever else they can get updates of this match. Let’s take a look at reasons why a win could be more meaningful for India:ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
1. Win against Pakistan can set the tone for India: There is no doubt that there are many cricket fanatics from both India and Pakistan who would want to swap the win against a loss in any other match, even if it is a win in the World Cup final. India are coming from a poor run in the recent past, and characters like Virat Kohli would want to start ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 with a bang. For India, a win over Pakistan can help them erase bad memories of the recent past as they have not done well, as Pakistan is a quality side and a win will set the tone early on for the defending champions.ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
2. India are the defending champions and would not want to start off on a winning note, as a loss to Pakistan can dent their confidence profoundly. For the Indian team and their fans, a win over the arch rivals not only brings immense joy but also tremendous confidence which helps them in the upcoming matches. A big win on Sunday can help India regain the lost confidence as a unit.
3. India need to end the dry spell: It is not very often, at least in the past two decades, that Indian cricket team remains winless for a longer run in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. India are the No. 2 side in the world, and will certainly be the favourites when the head into the clash. The winless streak has certainly caused lot of damage to the Indian cricketers as well as to the entire unit. But if they have to successfully defend their World Cup title or even produce a strong show in their campaign, India will have to win this contest and start the tournament on the winning note.
4. India would like to avoid extra pressure in case of a loss, as the media and the fans may as well give up on this young side. The Indian fans are a very impatient bunch and the recent losses already have made them lose confidence in this side under MS Dhoni. If in case Pakistan is able to change the history and break the jinx, everyone, from the selectors to the cricketers and those managing cricket in India will be criticised because the team’s losing streak would continue and their hopes of a good run in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 would take a hit.
5. India don’t need to look for inspiration: While all international games mean a lot to the players, for Indian and Pakistani cricketers, a match against their arch rivals doesn’t necessarily demands the same preparations as they need during the other matches. To explain it further, India versus Pakistan clashes already pump up the cricketers with a lot of eagerness to succeed and perform, and they can take their minds aside from the issues that are ailing them and they can only concentrate on doing well.
(Devarchit Varma is a reporter with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)
