DUBAI: Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday asserted that they will take on a “very strong” Pakistan team in their T20 World Cup opener and downplayed their unbeaten record against their opponents.
Addressing a virtual press conference, the star cricketer pointed out that the team did not think about past records or what had happened in prior World Cup matches between the two countries.
“We never discussed it within the team — what our record is, or what we achieved in the past,” the 32-year-old said, adding that teams would underestimate the 2009 champions at their own peril.
He continued, “The current Pakistan team is very strong, they always have been so. They are very talented, with several players who can change the game anytime,” adding, “Against a team like that, you need to arrive with your best plans, and make sure you execute it well.”
There is lot of hype around the mouth-watering clash between the neighbours but Kohli said he treated it like just another game. “For me, it’s never been different to any other game of cricket that we play,” he reiterated.
“Yes, the atmosphere in the stadium is different but our mindset is no different, our preparations are no different, and our approach to the game is certainly no different,” Kohli concluded.
Captain Virat Kohli, however, did not announce the team for Sunday’s match. India has a 12-0 record against Pakistan in Twenty20 and 50-overs World Cups and they will hope to extend that streak in their tournament opener against their arch-rivals.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam vowed his team would not think about Pakistan’s poor record against India when they meet. Exuding confidence, Azam stressed that the past is irrelevant to his players.
“To be honest, what has passed is beyond us,” Azam said during the press conference. “We want to use our ability and confidence on the day of the match so that we can get a better result. Records are meant to be broken,” he added.
