Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has advised both India and Pakistan players to not let the occasion get the better of them ahead of the thrilling clash. Steyn, speaking on ESPNcricinfo before the mega World Cup clash added that sometimes players try too hard in big games, and that is where things go wrong most of the time as well.
“Yes, I mean it can take away from the way you normally play. You kind of think I’m playing against this team, and I want to be man of the match, and end up doing more than you’re required too, and that’s when you find guys trying too hard and that where you just kind of lose it. Whereas if I just come in, do what I have to do, just play my part, then everything will unfold,” Steyn said on ESPNcricinfo.
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However, Team India will play against Pakistan on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams are coming off consecutive wins in the tournament and they would hope to continue their momentum as well. While India beat Australia and Afghanistan, Pakistan won over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka as well.
Speaking on the same panel, former India spinner Anil Kumble has also said that it is important to stay relaxed and have fun before a big game like this, especially when the time is just 2 days.
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“You don’t want to do things differently just because it’s India- Pakistan. And the tuaround has been only just two days, so one day of travel, that too of course one day prior to the match. Whether you want the entire team to be together at practice, even if it is not just a net, but maybe just to get a feel of the ground and maybe a fun game together,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo. “Jasprit Bumrah comes from that state and yes although they don’t play for Gujarat, there’s Jadeja, Hardik. So all these guys would feel that this is a home game for us and, you will have plenty of family around in that 130 thousand people. It’s special feeling to walk out there, and then do well for the country and the team across the line.”
