Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar felt that Team India will have its ultimate test of temperament against their arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup clash in Ahmedabad on Saturday as well. However, both sides registered comfortable wins in the tournament openers. India beat Australia by six wickets, whereas Pakistan emerged as the winner against the Netherlands by 81 runs. And, fans will be waiting for the thrilling India-Pakistan clash.
In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar added, “A bigger test of their temperament awaits in the game against Pakistan in front of perhaps the largest ever crowd at a cricket game in Ahmedabad. To some in India, winning that game is more important than winning the World Cup. The same, of course, will be the feeling across the border, but perhaps a lot more than in India.”
READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet
“India and Pakistan usually clash against each other first before they play other teams in the Asia Cup or the ICC World Cup. This is after what happened in the 2007 World Cup where both India and Pakistan who were in different groups were knocked out before they reached the knockout round,” Gavaskar again stated. “Thereafter, no matter what the rankings, if there are two groups then India and Pakistan will be in the same group to ensure at least one game between the rivals that gets the entire sub-continent hooked up and the zillion plus eyeballs is what the broadcasters pay trillions for.”
Meanwhile, Team India have beaten Pakistan in all seven ODI World Cup clashes as well, including their last four meetings. Sunil Gavaskar also opined on India for the comeback win against five-time world champions Australia in their World Cup 2023 campaign opener in Chennai.
READ MORE: “Can be the future captain of India” – Kiran More on Ruturaj Gaikwad
“India’s come-from-behind win in their opening game against Australia indicates that they are well prepared to absorb pressure and then move forward as and when the opportunity presents itself,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.
