Why An India Vs Pakistan Match Is Different? Virat Kohli Opens Up Before IND Vs PAK Asia Cup Blockbuster
Virat Kohli said that India-Pakistan rivalries are larger than life from the outside, making it an experience to remember ahead of the forthcoming Asia Cup in 2023.
On September 2, India will begin their campaign against Pakistan in Kandy. Kohli has always been the standout player in contests against Pakistan, the most recent being his 82 not out last year at the MCG during the T20 World Cup.
Kohli described how it feels to be a part of an Indian versus. Pakistan match to Star Sports. "I wouldn't deny that the atmosphere on the outside is very, very different from other games," the former India captain stated.
"What is created on the outside is something you can't really ignore." When you get onto the pitch as a player, it's just like any other game. The outer environment can entice you. That is something for you to enjoy and be pleased about. Then it's back to normal," he remarked.
Kohli sat out the ODIs against the Caribbean after scoring a stunning century against the West Indies in Tests last month.
He was also left out of the T20I series against the West Indies and Ireland so that he may rest up for the crucial Asia Cup and ICC World Cup at home.
The 34-year-old has been a critical piece in the Indian team for the past decade and will be in charge of the entire nation in two months. Meanwhile, the Asia Cup was supposed to be held in Pakistan.
The Asian Cricket Council agreed to co-host the continental showcase since the BCCI refused to send its players to the adjoining country for security reasons. According to the new schedule, Pakistan will host four games, with the other games taking place in the Island nation.
All of India's games will be played in Sri Lanka. Speaking about the India-Pakistan match, former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly believes the rivalry has recently deteriorated.
With India winning the majority of Indo-Pak games, Ganguly believes there is a dearth of quality in comparison to previous years.
"There is a lot of hype surrounding this match, but the quality has been low for a long time because India has been winning one-sidedly." "Pakistan will most likely defeat India for the first time in the T20 World Cup in Dubai," Ganguly told Star Sports.