IND vs IRE: "Inse nahi haarenge" - Suresh Raina on India vs Pakistan rivalry in T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina expressed support for the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). Suresh Raina said that the Rohit Sharma-led team will secure a win against archrivals Pakistan in the ICC tournament.

An India-Pakistan match has always generated excitement in cricket over the years. The two archrivals will face off once again in the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9.

India boasts a dominant record against Pakistan in T20 and ODI World Cup encounters since 1992. The Men in Blue have been beaten by the Pakistan team once in World Cup history. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, secured a 10-wicket win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Our Team Looked Very Good - Suresh Raina

Speaking at the jersey launch event of the World Championship of Legends' team India Champions, Suresh Raina expressed confidence in India's chances in the ICC tournament. Raina praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership, particularly his strategic planning.

"Our team looked very good. They are going to play against Pakistan in New York. Rohit led the team really, really well. He has been amazing with his planning and he is getting a lot of respect from the dressing room. We have a lot of options. We have two all-rounders," Raina said.

Suresh Raina is gearing up to play in the upcoming World Championship of Leagues, where retired cricketers from India, Pakistan, the West Indies, South Africa, England, and Australia will compete.

We Will Give It Our All - Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina highlighted how players are always highly motivated to perform well against Pakistan. The cricketer-turned-commentator recalled his experience playing against Pakistan in his career. Raina stated that players give their all when representing their country against Pakistan.

"We played a lot of matches, Yuvraj Singh, RP, Rahul, against Pakistan. When you are representing your country, you try to give your best. I am really looking forward to playing against Pakistan in England. We played lot of matches together. We have retired from the sport, but not from the heart. When you see the tricolour, you feel Jee Jaan lagaadenge lekin inse nahi haarenge [ we will give it our all but not lose to them]," Raina added.

He Has To Play In The World Cup - Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina said that Shivam Dube should be included in the playing XI, describing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder as an X-factor. Raina said that Rohit Sharma would have to make the final decision regarding his opening partner, whether it be Virat Kohli or Yashasvi Jaiswal, at the showpiece event.

"He has to play in the World Cup. See, the ability to stand still while hitting those big sixes is very rare. Shivam Dube can be the x-factor for India to win the World Cup. So Rohit will have to take the call whether he wants to play Virat (Kohli) up the top, but then Yashasvi is also batting with a different kind of flair. If the situation arises, Shivam can also bowl for the side," Raina added.

India will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 5. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli didn't feature in a warm-up match against Bangladesh, while Shivam Dube managed to score 14 runs off 16 balls, including a six.

Also read: IND vs IRE: "It has been difficult, but..." - Hardik Pandya targets Rohit Sharma indirectly