Former India head coach, Ravi Shastri has given his opinions on the India-Pakistan clash which will be viewed by millions today.
He says that he is rooting for India to win the high-octane clash but Pakistan has also narrowed the gap in the last few years.
Talking about different tournaments, India has won thrice against Pakistan while the Men in Green have won twice against India.
But, Shastri says that Pakistan still has a long way to go before they can dethrone India completely in cricket.
Furthermore, he also says that the current Asia Cup squad is the strongest since the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Shastri has also appreciated skipper Rohit Sharma and is hopeful that he will bring laurels for India in the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup as well.
I would say India start as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players. And a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most. Having said that, Pakistan have narrowed the gap. Seven-eight years (ago), there was a gap if you looked at the strength of both teams and man to man. But Pakistan have narrowed it down. They are a very good side, so you have to be on top of your game.
Shastri emphasizes that one should never take form into consideration during IND-PAK clashes
Moreover, Shastri has also emphasized the fact that fans and experts must not talk about a player’s previous form before an India-Pakistan game.
Additionally, he says that mental strength is all it takes to win such crunch games and one who is mentally strong, takes the cake.
It is about who handles pressure better. And never go by form before an India-Pakistan game, because the tough-minded, mentally strong guys might not have done much six months back, but come the India-Pakistan game, they will come (to the fore). They know the importance of the game, they know where it can catapult them if they do well. Their juices will be fired up.
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