When was the last India vs Pakistan World Cup match without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma?

The D-Day for the India vs Pakistan clash has finally arrived as the teams will lock horns against each other at the R Premedasa Stadium, Colombo. Over the years, the match has been a treat to watch for the fans, former cricketers, and many other cricketing pundits as well. India has an upper hand of a 7-1 record in the T20 World Cup history.

Pakistan's last win in the World Cup against India was back in 2021, when Babar Azam was the captain. It has showcased some great moments from Virat Kohli’s iconic six to the bowl out in 2007. However, this time, India’s two cricket stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will not be featuring in the India vs Pakistan game.

When was the last time Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma did not feature in a World Cup game against Pakistan?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma last featured in the 2024 edition of the competition as the two cricketing greats have announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game. This is only the second time that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be featuring together in India’s most important clash against Pakistan in a World Cup.

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The last time both Virat and Rohit did not feature was almost two decades back in 2007 in Kingsmead, South Africa, in the group stage game against Pakistan, as the match ended in a bowl-out in favour of the Men in Blue. Since then either of the players has played in this important fixture against the Men in Green.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma record against Pakistan

Virat Kohli has scored 312 runs against Pakistan in six innings, including four half-centuries, at an outstanding average of 156 in the T20 World Cups. His best knock came back in 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia, where he played an unbeaten knock of 82 runs. Rohit does not have the best of records, as his average falls to 16.2 in seven matches, as he has scored just 81 runs.

This match will be a more crucial match for both sides, as there were weeks of drama from Pakistan, who decided not to play against India, showcasing the solidarity after Bangladesh was ousted from the T20 World Cup. However, Pakistan had to reverse its boycott decision and agreed to play against the Men in Blue.

Indian batters vs Pakistan Spinners

India will hope to continue their winning streak against Pakistan and extend the record to 8-1. On the other hand, Pakistan, who are well acquainted with the Sri Lankan conditions after playing two of their matches in the island nation, will look to change things.

It will be a battle between the Indian batters and the Pakistan spinners. Pakistan will be coming all guns blazing with its five spinners, and the Indian batters have struggled against spin in this tournament. India will look to have control of the game, as the first six overs of the game for India would be very crucial.

India will also have changes as Kuldeep Yadav will reportedly replace Arshdeep Singh in the side, and Washington Sundar might come in for Rinku Singh. Another obvious change will be Abhishek Sharma returning to the side in place of Sanju Samson.

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