Published: Aug 12, 2023, 04:20 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 12, 2023, 04:30 PM (IST)
INDIA vs Pakistan is one of the most anticipated matches in cricket. The two teams do not play bilateral series and multinational events are the only opportunity for the fans to watch the two arch-rivals clash. With Asia Cup and World Cup lined up, fans are eagerly waiting to see the Asian Giants clash on a grand stage.
India and Pakistan will face off in Pallekele on September 2 in the league match of the Asia Cup. Unless there is a massive upset, the teams will again clash in Asia Cup Super 4s on September 10 and who knows they might even cross swords for the Asia Cup title in the final.
After the Asia Cup, the teams are lined up to clash at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14 in the ODI World Cup. For fans, beating Pakistan is more important than winning the tournament but how do players cope with the pressure of playing the neighbours?
Star India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played down the hype around India vs Pakistan games and said that the team sees the contest against Pakistan like any other game.
“When there’s a match between India and Pakistan, there are high expectations to win, but for us, any match involving India holds the same level of importance as an India-Pakistan match. However, yes, the India-Pakistan match garners more attention, and we strive to perform to the best of our abilities,” Jadeja said in an interview with Star Sports.
While India have dominated Pakistan in multinational tournaments, Jadeja feels there are no favourites as both teams step on the park to win.
“We aim to deliver our performance and play as well as we can, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. This is a game, and the players from both sides are representing their respective countries. In my opinion, both teams are in the game to win. While you can put in proper focus and give your 100% on the field, there’s no guarantee of a particular outcome,” Jadeja said.
“You can give your best effort and play to win, but at the end of the day, if the result doesn’t go your way, there’s nothing much you can do. The main thing is to give your all and play to win,” he added.
