T20 World Cup 2021: The Pressure Is Going To Be On India - Gautam Gambhir Builds Up Clash vs Pakistan

Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir feels that Virat Kohli’s side would be more under pressure when they come up against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. The arch-rivals will clash on October 24 in Dubai.

India have never lost to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, and Gautam Gambhir reckons they are once again a better side. However, he believes considering the fickle nature of the T20 format, India have to bring their best game against the neighbours to prevail in their opening match of the tournament.

“India’s got a fabulous record against Pakistan, and whatever they talk about, the pressure’s going to be on India – that’s all media created stuff, and we got to say. Again, India is a far better side than Pakistan. So, this format is such where you got to be on your toes and got to get, you’re A-game forward,” Gautam Gambhir said while speaking on Star Sports.

You can’t take Pakistan lightly, and they have nothing to lose: Gautam Gambhir

Speaking more about the Men In Green, the 2007 T20 World Cup winner addressed them as a “dangerous” outfit. He talked about the mercurial and unpredictable nature of the Pakistan team, where they can defeat or lose to any team.

“They’re a dangerous side! They have always been a dangerous side; They have always been a very unpredictable side, and that is why Pakistan Cricket is what Pakistan Cricket is. They can go on to beat anyone and lose to anyone. That is how they’ve always played their cricket. It is not just now, it’s been there for years and years, and they’ve got some quality players,” he said.

In the presence of star players likes Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, however, Gautam Gambhir cautioned other teams to not take Pakistan lightly, especially considering the all-rounder depth as well in the Pakistan squad.

“You’ve got people like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi – who can swing the ball at 140 and is left armed; he is tall, he gets that bounce. They’ve got some raw pacers as well, they’ve got Haris Rauf, who can bowl 140-145, so you can never underestimate, plus this is that kind of a tournament. T20 format is such where you got no time to make a comeback. So, you have to be on your toes, and when you’ve got quality players on the other side, you can’t take them lightly, and they have nothing to lose,” the former opener further stated.

New Zealand, Afghanistan, and two other teams who will qualify from Round 1 are clubbed alongside India and Pakistan in the Super 12 stage.

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