"Bigger test of their temperament awaits in the game against Pakistan" - Sunil Gavaskar on IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup clash
Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar felt that Team India will have its ultimate test of temperament against Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup clash in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Both sides enjoyed comfortable wins in the tournament openers. India defeated Australia by six wickets, while Pakistan emerging victorious against the Netherlands by 81 runs. While the sides play their respective games today and tomorrow against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, all eyes have already shifted to the marquee India-Pakistan clash.
In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar admitted that triumphing Pakistan clash is more important than winning the World Cup for several fans in India.
"A bigger test of their temperament awaits in the game against Pakistan in front of perhaps the largest ever crowd at a cricket game in Ahmedabad. To some in India, winning that game is more important than winning the World Cup. The same, of course, will be the feeling across the border, but perhaps a lot more than in India," Gavaskar said.
Sunil Gavaskar also feels the shock elimination of both sides in the 2007 World Cup depriving fans of the marquee matchup has ensured that the teams play each other early in the tournament.
"India and Pakistan usually clash against each other first before they play other teams in the Asia Cup or the ICC World Cup. This is after what happened in the 2007 World Cup where both India and Pakistan who were in different groups were knocked out before they reached the knockout round," Gavaskar stated.
"Thereafter, no matter what the rankings, if there are two groups then India and Pakistan will be in the same group to ensure at least one game between the rivals that gets the entire sub-continent hooked up and the zillion plus eyeballs is what the broadcasters pay trillions for," he added.
While the Men in Blue suffered humiliating defeats to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Pakistan lost to the West Indies and Ireland to be knocked out of the 2007 World Cup. It caused a major disappointment to all parties involved.
Meanwhile, Team India have beaten Pakistan in all seven ODI World Cup clashes between the sides, including trouncing their arch-rivals in their last four meetings.
"They are well prepared to absorb pressure" - Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar also commended Team India for the comeback win against five-time world champions Australia in their World Cup opener in Chennai.
Following a sensational bowling performance to restrict the Australian batting lineup to a mere 199, Rohit Sharma's men were rocked early at 2/3 in two overs. However, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul shared a match-winning 165-run partnership to lead the side to a comfortable six-wicket win with almost nine overs to spare.
"India’s come-from-behind win in their opening game against Australia indicates that they are well prepared to absorb pressure and then move forward as and when the opportunity presents itself," Gavaskar said.
It was India's third win against Australia over the last four World Cup meetings, dating back to the 2011 quarter-final. The Men in Blue also recently won the three-match ODI series against the Aussies at home 2-1 before the World Cup.
While India takes on Afghanistan in their next outing, the Men in Yellow face off against South Africa in Lucknow on Thursday, October 12.