‘We definitely have to bring our A-game against Pakistan’ – India skipper Virat Kohli
India and Pakistan are set to cross swords in Dubai tomorrow, October 24 in their 20-20 World Cup opener. India have maintained a stainless record against Pakistan and have beaten them in all their five battles during several editions of the showpiece event. On form and quality, many experts have backed the Kohli-led side to steamroll Pakistan. However, the Indian skipper is not taking them lightly. Kohli said Pakistan is a dangerous side and boasts of several match-winners in the team thus India need to bring out their A-game to outstage them. Pakistan have plenty of experience of playing in the conditions and have won all their last 10 games in this part of the world.
“Pakistan are strong, you have to play your best cricket against them every time. They have players who are game-changers. We definitely have to bring our A-game against Pakistan,” Kohli said in the pre-match virtual press conference.
India have built some decent momentum ahead of the marquee clash and come into the match having defeated England and Australia in the warm-up games. The team’s only concern will be the fitness of all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Pandya has not bowled of late owing to a back injury. However, he was selected in the India squad as an all-rounder. If he doesn’t bowl, it will disrupt the balance of the side. Kohli, however, revealed that Pandya is doing well and will be available to bowl his full quota of overs in Super 12s.
“I feel Hardik presently is getting better in terms of being prepared to bowl two overs for us. Till the time he starts bowling, we have created a few options for ourselves. What he offers at number 6 as a batter, we can’t create something like that overnight,” said the Indian captain.
