Don't Think India Will Be Under Extra Pressure Against Pakistan In World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels India won’t feel any additional pressure during their marquee clash against Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup. Emotions will run high when both the teams take on each other in Manchester on June 16 as political tension escalate between the two neighbours in the wake of the Pulwama attack. There was a big question mark over the game too as there were widespread calls to boycott Pakistan in the tournament after the attack that was carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. 44 CRPF personnels were martyred in the dastardly attack.

The BCCI had later written to the ICC, asking the other nations to break ties with the country that harbours terrorism. But right now, it looks like India have agreed to keep the recent happenings aside and lock horns against the arch-rivals in the blockbuster clash.With the relation between the two countries at an all-time low, a lot more than just two points will be at stake in the game. And many speculate that the players might be under pressure to deliver.

However, Sunil Gavaskar feels otherwise. The legendary batsman believes the players are professional enough to keep away the distractions and focus on the job in hand.

“I don’t think so [players will not feel additional pressure]. I think our players are professional enough to know this is a game of cricket that they need to win. They will not be swayed away by circumstances. I don’t think it will make a difference,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.

“Great teams ignore everything around them, they focus on the game. As a batsman, you forget what has happened with the previous ball. You focus on the next ball, that’s the same with a team as well. Sure, going into the hotel, there are going to be guys saying things. But that’s going to be for other series as well,” he added.

As far as the rivalry in World Cup is concerned, India is head and shoulders above their bitter rivals.  Both the teams have played 6 games against each in the World Cup and India have won each one of them. Meanwhile, the World Cup will get underway on May 30 with hosts England taking on South Africa. India will start their campaign on June 5 against South Africa.