Asia Cup 2023: 'Pakistan Players Are Representing Their Country Too'- Ravindra Jadeja Opens Up On India-Pak Rivalry

As India and Pakistan gear up for the much-awaited match between them in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja has opened up on what it is like to play against the arch-rivals.

With the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan suspended, both teams play against each other only in Asia Cup and ICC events. The last meeting between the two teams took place during the T20 World Cup last year. India registered a thrilling win over the Men in Green thanks to an iconic knock from superstar Virat Kohli.

Both teams will be up against each other once again next month in the Asia Cup. India will open their campaign in the continental championship on September 2 with a mouthwatering clash against Pakistan. Pakistan and India are in Group A along with Nepal while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are in Group B.

Ravindra Jadeja on playing against Pakistan:

India and Pakistan could play as many as three times in the Asia Cup if both teams manage to make it to the final. And ahead of the high-voltage clash, Ravindra Jadeja has stated that while the fans get very excited whenever the two teams meet on the cricket field, he and his teammates do not treat the game differently.

“Whenever there is an India-Pakistan match, everyone expects a lot and wants us to win the match at any cost. But for us, any match for India is as much important as the match against Pakistan,” Ravindra Jadeja told Star Sports.

At the same time, he also admitted that the players try their best to deliver against Pakistan because of the fans. He further said that the players could only give effort on the field and the result is not in their hands.

“But everyone focuses more on this match. And we try to deliver, try to play as good as possible.  But sometimes it happens (not being able to deliver). They (Pakistani players) are representing their country too. They play to win too. There is no guarantee.

“You can give effort and focus on the ground but at the end of the day, if you don’t get the result in your favour, you cannot do anything. The main thing is to give 100 percent effort and play to win,” said Ravindra Jadeja.

It can't get bigger than the age-old rivalry! ???? Here’s how @imjadeja approaches the epic India-Pakistan clash! ?

Put your #HandsUpForIndia and tune-in to #INDvPAK on #AsiaCupOnstar Sat, Sep 2 | 2.00 PM Onwards | Star Sports Network #Cricket pic.twitter.com/jmOBe3OHGf

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 12, 2023

After the Asia Cup, India, and Pakistan will also play against each other in the World Cup in October. The match is scheduled to take place on October 14 in Ahmedabad.