Get ready for an electrifying showdown as India gears up to face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup! The Men in Blue are poised to take on Pakistan's formidable bowling attack in what promises to be a thrilling match-up. With both teams hungry for victory, cricket fans around the globe are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the action-packed clash on the cricket field. Don't miss a single moment of the excitement as these cricketing giants battle it out for supremacy in this high-stakes encounter!
#INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup #RohitSharma #ViratKohli #BabarAzam #MenInBlue #CricketRivalry #PitchBattle #WorldCup2024 #CricketFever #GameDay #TeamIndia #PakistanCricket #EpicClash #SportsEvent #CricketFans #LiveCricket #CricketMatch
~PR.152~ED.102~GR.125~HT.96~
#INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup #RohitSharma #ViratKohli #BabarAzam #MenInBlue #CricketRivalry #PitchBattle #WorldCup2024 #CricketFever #GameDay #TeamIndia #PakistanCricket #EpicClash #SportsEvent #CricketFans #LiveCricket #CricketMatch
~PR.152~ED.102~GR.125~HT.96~
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 Hello, everyone. You're watching Pitch Battle. I'm Indranil, your host.
00:09 The big day has finally arrived. My God, we've been waiting for this for such a long time.
00:16 First thing which comes to my mind when I talk about India-Pakistan game is Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma.
00:24 Actually, our side is a little tilted towards drawing home all the advantages.
00:32 We have a batch of match winners. But what has really made this contest an even one, even Stephen's what we call it,
00:43 is because of the pitch. That's why it's called Pitch Battle.
00:48 The pitch has actually nullified all the advantages India would have enjoyed for the game.
00:56 Just imagine, as I talked about yesterday, if the toss goes in favour of Pakistan, what happens?
01:02 How Shaheen Shah, Afridi, Muhammad Ameer and company would fire on all cylinders.
01:08 I'm really worried for India. They're having a nice, sound sleep right now. Hopefully, they'll get up fresh early in the morning.
01:16 I don't know how things will pan out. It's a different battle. It's not US-Pakistan. I don't know what happened in the past.
01:24 We just focus on the current contest. India-Pakistan match is absolutely a different kettle of fish.
01:33 Joining us, we have Mr. Avinash, the editor of MyKhail. We have Gaurav from OneIndia.
01:43 Gaurav, welcome. Shakya Mitra, sports marketing expert. I'll straight go to Gaurav today.
01:48 Gaurav, first thing which comes to your mind when it's India-Pakistan? I can't go beyond Babar Azam.
01:55 He's not even a good T20 player, people say. But your first thing which comes to your mind when it's India-Pakistan?
02:01 The first thing is Goosebumps. It is going to be a high-voltage match.
02:08 To be honest, this is the only rivalry which is above the game of cricket.
02:16 World would be watching this match. I'm really excited for this match. I want to see Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli.
02:29 Who scores better? Let's see. The world is asking this question from a very long time.
02:37 Who is the best? This is the right time. Let me be very much honest. I'm very much being biased here.
02:44 I'm on the blue side. I bleed the blue. I'm very much hopeful that Virat Kohli will score big tonight.
02:54 And Rohit Sharma, the captain. We have so many expectations from our batters.
03:01 But on the other side, we don't have to lose our nerves. We have to hold our horses.
03:08 Because it is Mohd. Aamir, Shahenshah Afridi, Rauf. The bowlers, the pace lineup they have.
03:18 It is going to be a goose-bump. It is going to be a nail-biter for me.
03:24 Actually, it will be. And we have been waiting for such a long time. We have been talking about this match for such a long time.
03:31 Last year, when the World Cup happened at Avinash, remember, our outgoing coach, incoming coach, Gautam Gambit,
03:42 he was saying that Babur will put the stage on fire. And I actually questioned his cricketing credential,
03:49 the way he predicted. And Babur was quite a super-flop in that. So, how do you see that Babur Azam?
03:55 I mean, we will talk about India again. I mean, what do you feel about Babur Azam, the player?
04:01 Because a lot of people are saying he is not a great T20 player. He is a classic. His cover drive is being discussed at all quarters.
04:08 But your thoughts on Babur Azam, the cricketer? He lost his cool. First time I saw.
04:13 When the bowlers were going for runs, he was shouting at his bowlers that day.
04:17 So, Babur Azam will have to keep his cool. Because you lose your cool, you lose the battle.
04:22 That's how it happens in a big game.
04:24 Absolutely, Dada. And today, as Gaurav rightly mentioned, it is going to at least settle the debate for quite some time
04:33 about the greatness of two players, contemporaries. I mean, India-Pakistani fans are always divided with the debate of who is better.
04:44 But whenever we speak about Babur Azam, we often say, let that man play some matches or get equal number of matches which Virat has played.
04:55 In the last match, it was not a bad match for Babur Azam. Yes, he was disappointed because he was settled.
05:03 But even scoring those runs against the USA, he surpassed Virat Kohli to become the leading run scorer in the T20 eyes.
05:12 So, that at least tells that he is a good player of T20 cricket as well.
05:18 Had it not been his cricketing prowess, he would not have gotten to this milestone or be leading that table.
05:26 So, that at least settles the debate of whether being a good T20 player is there or not.
05:35 But when it comes to India-Pakistan matches, definitely, I think Virat Kohli has a bigger edge
05:43 because he feeds off on the opponent's energy and he thrives on pressure matches.
05:52 When it comes to Babur Azam, at least when it comes to the India-Pakistan matches, I haven't seen him doing much better.
05:59 I mean, yes, there was a T20 World Cup in 2021 when Rizwan and Babur forged that mammoth partnership
06:08 and India was just sidelined, bruised and battered left, right and centre in that game.
06:15 But if you look at the overall performance of Babur Azam against India, it's not up to the mark.
06:24 The benchmark that Babur Azam, the batter, has set for himself playing against big nations or test playing nations,
06:32 the numbers against India are certainly very, very below average.
06:38 And that's what is going to be in his mind today as well.
06:41 Not just his mind, in fact, the entire team's. Because he is the fulcrum of the Pakistani batting lineup.
06:47 There's no doubt about that.
06:49 Absolutely. And followed by Mohammad Rizwan, who is of course a very apt player for this kind of format.
06:57 He's been very consistent in the past. But Shakya, I was scanning through all the newspapers.
07:04 I was really thrilled to see everyone had that headline, "Pitch Battle".
07:10 And that's the name of our show. They're branding our show, which is a great thing.
07:13 I wish them all the best. But are you happy with the way ICC has put in a lot of effort to put the house in order,
07:22 which is the pitch. Because that's the most important bit about cricket. That 22-yard.
07:27 What you do there, it's going to be counted. We saw the Netherlands, South Africa. The scores are not going up.
07:33 So, what do we do? Is it going to be a low-scoring India-Pak battle tonight?
07:39 I hope not. India-Pakistan is always the most mouth-watering clash whenever a major tournament happens.
07:54 I remember in 2007, there was a match between them. The Super 8s were supposed to have had a match between India and Pakistan.
08:01 And both the teams went out in the first round itself. And it was a big commercial flop that whole tournament.
08:07 Primarily because this match never took place. So, yeah. I mean, of course, the pitches somewhat got better.
08:19 Because there was a Canada-Ireland. Yesterday, the Netherlands were all over South Africa in the powerplay.
08:29 They weren't chasing much. Therefore, South Africa were able to pull it back.
08:33 The Netherlands have been a kind of boggy side for South Africa. But India-Pakistan is just an unbelievable rivalry.
08:42 Pakistan has won 4 times in ICC events. India has won more than thrice that amount.
08:53 And that puts a little bit more pressure on India. Because they have to… And I feel there is always a little bit more pressure on India ahead of every India-Pakistan match because of their superior record.
09:08 Pakistan have that extra urge to win because their record in ICC tournaments isn't very good against India.
09:18 They won 4 times. 3 of them in the Champions Trophy. Once in the T20 World Cup in 2021.
09:25 But India is also under pressure because they have to maintain that record, that unbeaten run.
09:34 And of course, the fallout of this match, it can be felt all over the… It can be felt in different countries.
09:41 In 2021, when they beat us by 10 wickets. Or in 2017, when we lost the Champions Trophy final. People were very unhappy in India.
09:53 We all saw that. In Pakistan, when they have lost matches to us, we have heard of broken televisions and things going out on the road.
10:03 There is a lot of pressure. You are not just playing on the ground of your country and for the people in the stands.
10:10 There is a huge public there and everyone is aware of what can happen if you don't win.
10:18 And India has the better record. That pressure is there. So, all those factors are there in play.
10:25 But coming to this match, it's very important for… Pakistan is under a lot of pressure. If they lose this match, their future…
10:35 They are out. They are technically out of the tournament. It's a do-or-die match for Pakistan.
10:42 Gaurav, I remember in 2004, I was covering that historic series. Late Prime Minister Bachpai used to be there.
10:50 He took the initiative. We went there. I remember playing one friendly game. I was outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
10:56 I was carrying my laptop bag and they said, "You have to play." And I was forced to play.
11:01 I thought it's a friendly match. When I went in, I realised it's an India-Pak game.
11:05 Because the journalists from Pakistan were so serious. As if we are playing a real Pakistan-India match.
11:11 And they take it so seriously. We don't take such games…
11:15 Do we take that… Bring in that sort of seriousness or we just play as one of the other games we are playing against any other top-quality opposition?
11:26 What are your thoughts? How we take India-Pak game? We know Pakistan takes it with a lot of pressure.
11:31 "Bhai sahib, samal ke. Babu ji, dheere chalna. India-Pak match chal raha hai."
11:37 But when it comes to India, do you think we feel the same about them? I didn't feel it that time.
11:43 But what are your thoughts?
11:45 What I feel is, pressure is on both the sides. Equal pressure.
11:51 Players of both the sides, they don't want anything less than a victory. Simple.
12:01 Either it's Babu's side or Rohit Sharma's team. They just want to register a victory here. That's it.
12:10 Right now, they are not even thinking about the World Cup. All they are thinking about is registering a win over each other. Simple.
12:19 Babar Azam… Here I would like to mention some players.
12:26 Shahdab Ahmed and Harish Rauf. They could be the key players.
12:32 The thing which Shakya was talking about, the pitch. Actually, I am worried about if Toss went in favour of Pakistan.
12:41 And they call India to bat first on such a track which has so big, big cracks on it.
12:48 So, I really don't want to see a low-scoring match. Because then it is going to be like anything.
12:57 Like Pakistan failed against USA in the Super Over. So, I don't want a short game to happen.
13:04 I want big scores. Simply reigning sixes and fours. That is what a cricket fan wants to see.
13:13 And if we score big, I have seen Pakistan winning on the basis of their bowling.
13:20 Never ever they have battled excellently an outclassed team India. No. That never happened.
13:29 If they have won, they have won on the basis of their bowling.
13:33 They have excellent bowlers. No doubt about that. They have the excellent pace battery.
13:38 But what we say, this is a pitch battle. So, we are on the side with the bat.
13:45 They will be bowling of course, they will be bowling fiery. But this time, we have to answer with the bat.
13:52 And I don't want to even recall that Asia Cup match where we lost the match by 10 wickets.
14:00 No, I don't want to even recall that memory. I just want that team India to chase here.
14:07 I know that even our bowlers are really, really good.
14:11 They can restrict Pakistan for a low total or some handsome total which can be easily chased by our batters.
14:18 We are really good on the chasing side. So, I won't toss two favourites.
14:24 First, secondly, things should go according to the plan and pitch.
14:29 I am believing like what I read on other, some media reports.
14:35 Ravi Shastri reported that this pitch has been rolled really well.
14:41 It doesn't have those big cracks which Rohit Sharma complained about in the first match.
14:47 So, I am hoping that there will be some good runs tonight.
14:51 Alright, we will wait and watch what happens. But I often wonder from the time we have been hearing,
14:59 Avinash, that the pitch is being… We got the pitch… They got the pitch from Adelaide.
15:05 Why didn't they get it from India? I mean, Gaurav is asking for 4s and 6s.
15:09 And we saw 1260 6s came during IPL. The pitch should have technically flown…
15:16 Should have been flown from India to the US, New York. We have an Air India flight also.
15:21 They carried it in bits and pieces. I don't know.
15:25 We could have done something like that. Avinash?
15:29 Dada, definitely, we could have done something like that. But as we were discussing yesterday as well,
15:36 there is always a bias when it comes to the Indians from the… From ICC side.
15:44 We have all seen it. We have witnessed it. So, it could be one of those reasons.
15:51 Because they didn't want to take these Indian pitches into consideration.
15:56 Hence, the decision to go with the Adelaide pitch. Of course.
16:02 And also the fact that we Indians are not yet… I mean, we don't believe…
16:10 Or the curators in India are not preparing these drop-in pitches.
16:14 We've heard reports that the Indian soil, the black soil and the red soil is being transported from here to the various parts of the world to lay down the pitch.
16:24 But the Indian curators don't… I mean, they don't have the expertise of creating these drop-in pitches.
16:31 So, Australia definitely has an edge over here.
16:35 Maybe in the coming years, when the Indian cricket board, the BCCI starts working on that front, we might also see India or the BCCI exporting the pitches.
16:50 We are big exporters of cricketers nowadays. So, maybe in the coming times, we will also be the exporters of the pitches.
16:59 And even the best of pitches in the world will be the Indian pitches.
17:04 Just like the players… I mean, we just spoke about the US.
17:08 Who played the crucial role in the US's victory in the previous game against Pakistan?
17:15 They were the Indians.
17:17 Absolutely. So true. We are the driving force. We are the engine. And there is no two ways about it.
17:23 The oracle boy. I would say. He scored in the final over.
17:29 Yeah. Netravalkar.
17:32 Yes. Yes.
17:34 Shakya, I want to know from you. When we talk about India-Pak game, one thing which is quite…
17:41 I am still fresh in my memory. Mohammad Amir bowled into Virat Kohli. 2017 Champions Trophy.
17:52 And the way Virat got out, he was dropped in the first hit first. And then, he eventually got out.
17:58 Actually, he got him out twice. The same Mohammad Amir was seen struggling.
18:03 He is coming back to international cricket after a long hiatus.
18:07 How do you see Virat taking on? I hope Amir is playing. I hope he is not penalised for bowling those white balls in the Super Over.
18:16 So, how do you see that battle panning out in front of us? I am very excited, actually.
18:23 This is Amir's kind of comeback tournament to international cricket. He had retired and then he had played.
18:31 There was talk that he might be applying to play for England also. But that hasn't worked out.
18:36 Mohammad Amir, when he first came onto the scene in 2009-10, what a fantastic bowler he was.
18:45 And even then, when he came back after his ban, he was quite lethal.
18:51 Actually, more than Mohammad Amir, I am looking more into Shaheen Shahafridi.
18:59 Because he is the rising star now. And that's probably why they have put Rishabh Pant at number 3.
19:10 Because they want to kind of break that rhythm that he could get against the right-hander.
19:17 Which is what's happened a lot of times in India, I have struggled with left-hand bowlers.
19:22 Because left-hand bowlers tend to find that rhythm against the right-hander.
19:26 So, yes, Virat Kohli against Pakistan, especially when he is up against these rampaging forces like Mohammad Amir in 2016, as you are talking about.
19:38 Or even the 2021 match when we lost, it was Virat Kohli who took on Shaheen Shahafridi when he absolutely broke the back of our top order in that match.
19:53 So, yes, I think a huge amount of onus is on Virat Kohli.
19:59 But let's see how this pitch is.
20:01 We shouldn't be comparing these conditions and this pitch to what we get earlier.
20:10 And certainly not the 2021 T20 World Cup that was played.
20:15 One, it was played in the UAE which is very familiar territory for Pakistan.
20:20 Or even the Melbourne match that happened last year, that happened in 2022.
20:24 Because this is a day match and the pitch is a little bit more different compared to what both those pitches provided.
20:33 So, I think that might be something that one needs to look at.
20:38 Also, floodlights. I am not an expert.
20:40 But yes, whatever I have heard from my knowledge of following cricket is that the ball does a little bit more under the lights.
20:47 And I think this being a day match, it might actually take a little bit away from the kind of bowlers Pakistan has.
20:58 India, I think Dhanraj Kumbharao is someone who can bowl in any kind of…
21:02 You don't have to take the conditions or the pitch.
21:06 I think he is someone who can bowl anywhere.
21:08 So yes, I would say that.
21:11 But just generally, I think that when you talk about a rivalry between India and Pakistan, I don't know if it has become friendlier or not.
21:19 But last year, there was a very nice moment during the Asia Cup when Shaheen Afridi came with a gift to Jasprit Bumrah when Jasprit Bumrah's son was born.
21:29 And a very nice moment to see two premier fast bowlers of today's era sharing a light moment on something as nice as someone's son being born.
21:41 But yes, once the match starts, it will be business. And I don't think there is any rivalry like that.
21:47 Alright, we will wait and see what happens.
21:51 Gaurav, you know, we talk about Mohammed Ameer coming out of retirement.
21:55 Looking at the way Dhoni was smashing the ball this IPL, he could have easily played.
22:02 He didn't play the 21. He was a mentor there with the team.
22:07 He didn't play 22. He could have played easily.
22:10 I mean, kind of reflexes he's got.
22:12 But he said a very important thing way back in 2016 when we lost to the West Indies in Mumbai.
22:19 And a foreign journalist asked him, "How long will you retire?"
22:23 He said, "If someone is as quick as I am and can bat and do whatever I'm doing, I'll retire."
22:30 And Rishabh Pant happened. And Rishabh Pant had to go through a lot to reach that state.
22:36 But how do you see this for Team India?
22:40 I mean, we have Virat Kohli. Look at his numbers against Pakistan.
22:44 I mean, you have to sit up straight and say, "Oh my God, this guy is truly special. And why is he a special character?"
22:52 I've been seeing Virat Kohli scoring against Pakistan in every game.
22:56 It's right there. It's going to be actually… It should be really, really good.
23:02 Special player. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli. Hardik Pandya has got great numbers against Pakistan.
23:08 Six matches he's played. He's bowled well. He's taken 11 wickets.
23:13 We have Bumrah. So, you know, I mean, player to player, if you match it, we're right up there.
23:18 But what is this business about not getting the player who's actually still good?
23:24 We have so many good players. If Virat can play, why can't Dhoni?
23:27 I keep saying… Because, you know, when we talk about big matches, big players,
23:31 we have seen the biggest T20 player of our generation is MS Dhoni.
23:36 Not our generation. Your generation, Gaurav. Yeah.
23:39 See, you just gave the answer. That we have so many good players that we can't even shortlist them.
23:47 We have so many good players that one player is waiting for other to get retired so that he can get the chance.
23:55 Rishabh Pant is a perfect selection in place of MS Dhoni to replace his boots.
24:01 I would say, like you just mentioned that Mohamad Amir came out of the retirement
24:08 and Dhoni should have also been… have been done the same.
24:12 But I would say, okay, whatever Dhoni served to India, that was really respectable and enough, I would say.
24:22 And now, it is time for young boys, young blood to serve the nation.
24:27 And the way Rishabh Pant was batting in the IPL, that was truly impressive.
24:33 He just made a comeback. He was on a two-year break. He made a comeback.
24:40 He was in such a brilliant touch.
24:44 Personally, I want to see Rishabh Pant batting against Mohamad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
24:52 Because those kind of… He is known to hit-ball on the rise.
24:58 And those guys are known to bowl some bounces.
25:03 So, his pulse and his drive. I am waiting to watch that.
25:07 Also, Virat Kohli and… If you go by the same MS Dhoni formula, then DK was also waiting.
25:15 He was also in a great form. He would have been called.
25:18 Even there was a competition going on that who will be the wicket-keeper selected for this World Cup.
25:26 His name was there. But selector said, "Okay, it's time for you. Thank you so much.
25:31 Let the youngsters serve the nation now. And this T20 game is all just about…
25:38 I won't say that their reflexes are slow. But this game is something about the youngsters.
25:46 So, let them play. You have done enough. I will say…
25:50 Gaurav, I want to interrupt you. I would give you Virat Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's number.
25:56 Please dial and tell them that after this World Cup, time is up for you guys. Let the youngsters come.
26:02 I would say that. But the way they are batting…
26:10 Gaurav, go ahead.
26:14 But the way Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are batting…
26:20 So, I can't say to them, "Okay, hold on. You are hitting too many centuries now." I can't say that.
26:26 I am enjoying their centuries. They are hitting the ball really well.
26:30 Nobody had expected that Virat Kohli will take the team from 0 to the qualifiers.
26:36 It was like the way he said, "0 to 100." That was only Virat Kohli that thing was made possible.
26:46 Although RCB lost the cup, but that was something special.
26:54 The way Royal Challengers Bangalore won 7 matches in a streak.
26:59 And that was… The credit goes to Virat Kohli only.
27:03 Although, of course, it is a team game. But that was a Virat Kohli's heroic which made RCB won.
27:13 And today also, I want to see that Virat Kohli scoring a century and number of runs.
27:21 And I am expecting big from Virat Kohli tonight.
27:25 Gaurav, teams are struggling to score 100. And you are talking about one guy getting 100.
27:33 I don't know. I would only say like that.
27:37 We need good luck as far as the pitch is concerned. It's really not playing in a sporting fashion.
27:45 Which is what is worrying us. But coming back to Virat Kohli, his track record, Avinash.
27:52 I mean, how does he… Avinash… You see, Gaurav doesn't want to…
27:58 He is not ready to call Virat and tell him, "Time is up for you in T20."
28:02 This is how it is. Virat Kohli has stayed in our consciousness in such a fashion.
28:08 Scoring runs like he is playing for the first time. I mean, the kind of energy…
28:14 It's all about energy, right? The way he goes in, does his business.
28:20 The hunger. I would add the hunger.
28:22 As if he is a youngster. He moves around…
28:24 I would add the word 'hunger' for runs.
28:28 Virat Kohli, hunger for runs. I would add that.
28:33 The appetite. If you can tell us, enlighten us, Avinash. The enigma called Virat Kohli.
28:42 So, Dhanat, see, yes, there is a lot of talk around Virat Kohli.
28:49 How he carries himself. How he conducts himself in a big-match situation.
28:55 Especially the knock of 84 that he played at Melbourne.
28:59 It is going to leave an indelible mark in the cricketing psyche.
29:05 We are going to remember it perhaps 100 years down the line as well.
29:10 That a player like him played a knock like that.
29:14 But I would still believe Virat, being Virat, doing Virat things,
29:21 he should be the leader when it comes to the batting side.
29:26 But it is time for youngsters to just step up now.
29:30 You cannot always depend on a Virat Kohli to win a big-match and a high-stakes match of an India-Pakistan magnitude.
29:41 You need to have match-winners.
29:43 I would rather look at how Rishabh Pal does today.
29:49 How Surya Kumar Yadav, the world's best T20I player, does today.
29:53 Because I have not seen Surya Kumar Yadav do Surya Kumar Yadav things in high-stakes encounters.
29:58 Let's talk about the 2023 World Cup. The final. It was a pressure game.
30:03 Surya was introduced, promoted, and he batted for like 20 overs, 15-20 overs.
30:11 But still, his strike rate was negligible.
30:14 And India ended up scoring a paltry total on the board.
30:19 So, how a youngster like Surya Kumar Yadav, though he is not a youngster,
30:25 Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey would do.
30:32 I would gauge my attention towards them.
30:36 Because, obviously, we know Virat Kohli.
30:39 And also, let's not forget the fact that the pitch is going to do its bit.
30:45 And if it does, and Virat and Rohit Sharma, the two stalwarts of Indian cricket,
30:51 I mean, God forbid, if they depart in a quick succession within the powerplay,
30:57 then who's going to carry the team forward?
31:00 Aamir, yes, he could be a dangerous bowler.
31:05 Let's not forget Harish Rauf or Naseem Shah and the likes of those.
31:11 There are reports that Imad Waseem might be brought in to be playing 11.
31:18 Shadab might be benched because of the way he bowled against USA.
31:22 Azam Khan is likely to be axed for his poor show.
31:29 So, there are a lot of permutations and combinations floating around about Pakistan's playing 11 in this high-stakes encounter.
31:37 And if at all they make those changes, then bowling gets more potent and formidable.
31:45 How are these batters going to counter the likes of, I mean, these forces?
31:51 It's going to be important because it's not just about an India-Pakistan match.
31:56 Let's be very honest because we always gauge our attention, narrow our attention towards an India-Pakistan game.
32:04 But this is a tournament that India has gone to win.
32:09 Even if they end up losing the match tonight, it doesn't matter because India would still be able to qualify for the Super 8s.
32:18 And let's just talk about the Pakistani side.
32:22 It's one of the most vitriolic teams in the world.
32:26 But still, they've managed to come out of these defeats, the morale-sapping defeats against India,
32:35 and they still end up playing in the finals or making it to the semifinals.
32:43 So, there's a team which might end up losing India against India, but it still comes back hard.
32:53 So, in 2021, we saw what happened with the Indian team.
32:57 They just lost the momentum right after the match against Pakistan was lost.
33:03 So, it also boils down to how better you are prepared mentally.
33:10 So, there it was in 2021, we saw the Indian team's morale getting... I mean, it was shattered.
33:19 But Pakistan, on the other hand, every edition, they end up losing to India.
33:25 But still, this team manages to make it to the semifinals or into the reckoning of the semifinals or the finals.
33:32 So, a lot of kudos should also go to the Pakistani team because it has this knack and habit of coming back stronger after being pushed against the walls.
33:42 Actually, very valid point you've raised, Avinash.
33:47 Because I remember 2022 also, everyone was jumping up and down on the chair because Pakistan lost to Zimbabwe.
33:55 And Indians generally celebrate a lot when Pakistan lose, whichever team.
34:00 In fact, some of the Indians we have seen were supporting the US against Pakistan in the stadium.
34:07 So, I mean, you can't control the emotions.
34:10 I know in IPL, Delhi, capital span, Delhi losing, they immediately change their sides.
34:17 So, it happens. It's just... I mean, you should love the sport, actually.
34:22 Shakya, that's how it should be. You should not take it like you versus me all the time.
34:28 I celebrated 2017 Champions Trophy win of Pakistan.
34:34 They didn't play at home for a long time. There was an identity crisis. They won that.
34:40 It was good validation of the fact that they are also part of the system.
34:45 Like the win, Shakya, you pointed out, of US. It's just helping cricket to grow.
34:51 And people will sit back and say, "Oh, God, yeah. US has beaten Pakistan."
34:56 They are forced to reckon with. But a lot of people are saying it was an accident.
35:01 I'm sure this is a game of confidence, hard work and honesty. I'm sure US would have taken a lot out of it.
35:08 But your thoughts on how Pakistan-India, these matches, I mean, more than these contests,
35:17 we should turn out more champion side, which you have talked about in the past also, which will lend the game.
35:22 Yeah, I remember in 2011, I was not living in Delhi those days. But I remember when India beat Pakistan in the semifinals.
35:33 I'm told that Central Delhi had more celebrations after we beat Pakistan in the semifinals than we did when we won the tournament.
35:42 And it happens in every tournament. The game against Pakistan often ends up being bigger than a final.
35:48 And actually, the main thing is that we should look at winning the tournament. It's not about beating Pakistan.
35:54 I mean, it's become like that. And let's also accept that Pakistan, if you look at the last 30 years,
36:03 Pakistan and India have almost similar records in international cricket.
36:08 They won the T20 World Cup once. They won the 50-over World Cup once. They won the Champions Trophy once.
36:13 And that's exactly what we've done as well. We've tied the joint winners of the Champions Trophy once with Sri Lanka.
36:20 So, we've got almost equal records with Pakistan. But yeah, I mean, it's true.
36:32 Even on Thursday, when I was finding a lot of comments on people celebrating Pakistan losing and all that.
36:41 I don't really like to get into all that. I think one must appreciate it. One must appreciate sport.
36:49 And one must accept that Pakistan has produced some of the finest cricketers of the game.
36:56 Unfortunately, they are not allowed to play in the IPL. And I'm not going to get into the politics of that.
37:04 But some of their players, if they had played in the IPL, they would have been big names in the IPL.
37:11 Because they are so suited to play T20 cricket, some of their players. Unfortunately, and I think that's not going to happen.
37:19 I won't say unfortunate. There are valid political reasons for it, which is not for me to comment.
37:26 But we must be a little bit more sporting. I think, unfortunately, games against Pakistan have taken up a very...
37:36 Have created a lot of toxic... Have become very toxic. And when we lose, especially when we lose.
37:44 I remember when we lost that game in 2021. Or that losing the Champions Trophy final in 2017.
37:50 The fallout was... And you know, Pakistan has lost more than we have lost to them.
37:56 So, I mean, it's alright. But that's what happens in India. We lose a match, especially to Pakistan.
38:04 And the fallout of it is terrible. So, I hope we get a little bit more mature when it comes to playing Pakistan.
38:15 But actually, we have to be sporting. The spirit has to be sporting. We talk about a battle.
38:23 Pitch battle, of course, we have to celebrate. We have to celebrate good cricket, which is happening.
38:29 If someone is bowling well, you have to sit back and say, "Oh, this bowler is really, really good."
38:35 And we have to have that spirit. If you don't do that, you actually don't grow up in life.
38:39 But when you talk about India-Pakistan match, it's a celebration of sorts in every home.
38:43 So, Gaurav, can you tell us your menu? You're having a heavy lunch or a heavy dinner?
38:48 How are you going to celebrate? Because Indian means you're going to celebrate with food. That's what we do.
38:56 This is a cricket Diwali, I can call it. India-Pakistan. So, what's your menu like? What's there on the plate?
39:03 I have ordered many things, to be honest. And I won't be moving away from my couch. I'll be watching the match.
39:11 We say that it's a 'totka' kind of a thing. I won't be moving. I'll be sitting steadily.
39:20 Let Virat bat. Let Rohit Sharma bat first. I don't want anything wrong to happen.
39:26 Secondly, the thing you mentioned. A sporty feeling and a sporty spirit.
39:36 If a bowler… Of course, Pakistan's bowlers are nice. Of course. But we can, of course, praise them after the match.
39:43 Let's support the Indian side. I started this saying that I'm very much biased for the India-Pakistan match.
39:51 I can do the analysis after the match, pre-the match. Or for other games, I can be the neutral one.
40:00 But to be honest, I'm very much biased for the Indian side. Here, I'm expecting a lot.
40:06 Though Team India has beaten Pakistan several times. They have an unbeaten record. But I want them to continue this record.
40:13 So, that is the thing. That is the pressure we all are talking about.
40:18 So, that urge to win. That hunger to win against Pakistan. That is something above even World Cup for us.
40:30 Like rightly Shakya mentioned, we should aim for the trophy. We should aim for the glittering cup to win that trophy.
40:37 But, I'm sorry, friend. But this India vs Pakistan match is something like that.
40:43 A kind of a rivalry. That we just want to win this first and we can see what happens for the rest of the matches. No issues.
40:53 And also, I want to mention one thing here. The way Pakistan lost to USA. I don't want Team India to take it to their head.
41:07 So, I don't want them to create Pakistan's team or Azam Khan. If he is in Pakistan's national side, he has some qualities.
41:21 They should not take them lightly. They should not take them for granted, I would say.
41:29 They are not playing against any small team. Cricket starts with a 50-50 probability.
41:36 And game can… It's a new day. It's a new game. And anything can happen.
41:41 Records will be kept outside the stadium and only things will matter. What they do on the 22 yards.
41:50 Again, we will say that this is a pitch battle.
41:54 Pitch battle.
41:56 Exactly. Whatever happens on the pitch, that is going to happen.
42:01 Three chairs for pitch battle. Hip-hip-hooray, hip-hip-hooray, hip-hip-hooray.
42:06 But, before we wrap up the show, Avinash, looking at our Indian line-up, you see all of them are actually capable of winning a T20 game single-handedly.
42:18 Be it Rohit, Virat, Hardik, Rishabh, Surya, you name it. Jeteja. Akshav can also do well.
42:29 Bumrah. Sriraj has done it in that final Asia Cup against Sri Lanka. It was a different format.
42:37 I am liking the look of it. Arshdeep can come and bowl. He has got good domestic performance to back him.
42:44 So, back his claim in the team. But what do you think?
42:49 This Indian team, I remember losing four wickets for 80-odd runs in the last Candy Game, Asia Cup.
42:57 And how Virat… Sorry, I beg your pardon. It was Hardik and Ishan Kishan putting up a valiant show.
43:06 It was quite a show they put together. But what do you see? This Indian team, it's giving you enough confidence that we will go and enjoy the last laugh?
43:17 Definitely, Radha. There is no doubt about that. The team looks pretty balanced.
43:23 The players have the confidence they need. Looking in the right touch. Hardik, as you just mentioned about him.
43:32 I think, once again, he is going to be the key batter and the key player for India.
43:38 Because of the quality he brings. The three-dimensional play that he brings into play.
43:46 And also, his mental strength in big matches when it comes to Pakistan and India matches.
43:56 He holds his nerve pretty well. We have seen him doing that in the IPL as well.
44:02 And there is no doubt when he dons that Indian jersey. The Indian blue, he is a different beast altogether.
44:11 So, definitely, Hardik is going to be a very critical player for India today as well.
44:17 Either with the ball or with the bat. And he is a gun-fielder as well. Those throws from the outfield.
44:26 60 yards, 70 yards. They are also very vital.
44:32 Especially given the track record of the Pakistani cricket team when it comes to strike rotation.
44:37 They always fumble or make a mess out of it. Converting those singles into twos or threes.
44:44 So, the importance of players like Hardik Pandya or Ravindra Jadeja or Akshar Patel or Virat Kohli in the outfield also becomes equally important.
44:56 So, not just their batting aspect or the bowling aspect of these players.
45:01 In fact, even the fielding is going to make a lot of difference for the Indian side.
45:05 So, yes, big match players. They have all the bases covered.
45:11 I doubt they are going to be complacent about it.
45:15 But also, I would rather believe that the Indian team should not be too much…
45:21 I mean, they have always maintained, because of the fact that the Indians have always had an edge over the Pakistanis in the World Cups.
45:30 They have always maintained that, "No, we take it as just another game."
45:35 Whether it's a Pakistan game or an Australia game or an England game.
45:38 And that mentality has to percolate even to the number 12 player or the number 15 player.
45:48 If they get a chance or if the opportunity comes up, they should lap it up and perform the way the team expects them to perform.
45:58 So, obviously, better prepared team they are.
46:03 But as Gaurav just mentioned, it's a new day, it's a new match. You will have to be in your senses.
46:10 Don't get complacent. Is what my message to the men in blue would be today.
46:15 Alright, quickly. Sathya, before we dive, we have really been a long show. It was a very fruitful discussion on the game we love so much.
46:26 India or Pakistan? Quickly.
46:27 Yeah, there is no way India is taking this game for granted. Rohit Sharma has said that in the press conference.
46:35 India or Pakistan? India or Pakistan? Quickly.
46:38 Yeah, no, India is not taking this game for granted. And Pakistan, he said so.
46:43 Pakistan have got match-winners. They can turn things around in a flash.
46:47 But also, in the last match, Pakistan didn't look very much cohesive.
46:57 That we all know. India or Pakistan? India or Pakistan? India or Pakistan?
47:01 India. India. India.
47:04 Okay. Gaurav, India or Pakistan?
47:06 110% India.
47:09 And Avinash, my friend, my brother, India?
47:15 Dada, definitely it's going to be India. But I want a super word here.
47:21 India it is. We lock it. We don't talk after this. We'll see them, how they play, and we'll discuss it tomorrow.
47:26 Thanks a lot, gentlemen, for joining. Avinash, Sathya and Gaurav. And throwing light on this great contest, India-Pakistan coming your way.
47:35 Enjoy. Sit back, enjoy. The T20 World Cup in New York. We are all over the place.
47:41 Like always, we have to win this game. And best wishes to Team India.
47:46 See you. Keep watching. Pitch Battle.
47:49 [MUSIC]