“It checks your character and personality” , Hardik Pandya ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash.

Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, has offered his insights on the highly-anticipated Group A clash in the 2023 Asia Cup, set to unfold against Pakistan in Pallekele on Saturday, September 2. In his remarks, Pandya acknowledged that matches between these two cricketing giants go beyond mere statistics, highlighting how they unveil a player’s character and their capacity to persevere during challenging moments.

The Indian team, often referred to as the “Men in Blue,” boasts an impressive record, securing seven Asia Cup titles—more than any other team. In contrast, their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, have clinched the title only twice. However, Pakistan faltered in the previous edition of the tournament, which was conducted in the T20 format last year, as they were unable to secure a spot in the final.

In a candid conversation with Star Sports ahead of this eagerly awaited clash, Hardik Pandya expressed his viewpoint. He underlined that this match will be a test against an opponent that is currently in excellent form.

Hardik Pandya said “It’s an event which I’ve seen how it checks your character and personality, and at the same point in time, you can see in how deep waters you can swim. So, for me, all these factors excite me a lot. A lot of emotions are attached by fans. For us, it is about playing a good team, playing a match against a very good side who has done very well in the recent past.” 

“We try to keep the outside noise outside and focus on how we can play good cricket. We can’t get too emotional about it because then, certain decisions can be reckless, which I don’t believe in. But, at the same point in time, it’s a mega event,” added Hardik.