Asia Cup 2018: I'm More Excited Than Nervous, Says Yuzvendra Chahal Before His First Game Against Pakistan

Ahead of the India-Pakistan showdown in Asia Cup, Yuzvendra Chahal has said he is excited over playing against the arch-rivals.

Playing in this fixture is undoubtedly on top of every players’ bucket list from either teams. A notable performance in this high-profile game can make a player an overnight store. But at the same time one cannot deny that the players remain under extreme pressure in this high-voltage clash.

Neither of the two teams could afford to lose this fixture. Players in both teams routinely face intense pressure to win and sometimes face extreme reactions in defeat. Indo-Pakistan cricket matches are some of the most watched television broadcasts in both countries. The 2011 Cricket World Cup semi-final attracted an average audience of nearly 135 million in India alone. So one can easily assume the pressure on the players when they come out to play this fixture.

Not surprisingly, Yuzvendra Chahal is raring to play this game. Speaking  ahead of the game, he said playing against Pakistan has been on his bucket list since childhood.

“Growing up as a young kid wanting to play for India, it was always on my bucket list. I haven’t experienced what it feels like but I’m more excited than nervous. I’ve watched all India-Pakistan games. I try and look at which batsman is in form and who is playing how,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

He further spoke about his favourite India-Pakistan clash.

“The 1996 World Cup game stands out; every game is a favourite actually, but it’s about the expectation that people have from you. But for me, whichever team I’m playing, I value wickets the same. I know if I take five wickets, I’ll be Man of the Match,” he said,

Meanwhile, in recent times, India have earned the bragging rights of this fixture especially in ICC tournaments. The Men in Blue have never lost to Pakistan in a World Cup. The two-time World Cup winners have won all the 6 games in a 50-over World Cup against Pakistan. In World T20, India won 4 of the 5 games while one ended in a tie which India went on to win. India has dominated their neighbours in the Asia Cup too, winning 7 of the 12 games.

However, India should be cautious against Sarfraz Ahmed & Co. in the upcoming game. While India have struggled for consistency in recent times, Pakistan have showed remarkable form. Both the teams are entering the contest after registering contrasting wins against Hong Kong in their opening games. While the Men in Green comfortably defeated the minnows by 8 wickets, India were given a big scare before they managed to win the game by 26 runs.