“This Is Their Strongest Team Since 2011”: Ravi Shastri picks India as favourites for Ind Vs Pak clash.
Rohit Sharma’s India is set to kick off their campaign against traditional rivals Pakistan on Saturday, September 2nd, in the third match of the tournament at the esteemed Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
In a recent conversation with ESPNcricinfo just before this highly anticipated clash, Ravi Shastri expressed his optimism about the Indian team’s prowess, noting that this is the strongest lineup they’ve boasted since 2011. He also emphasized the significance of having an experienced captain in Rohit Sharma, highlighting that this leadership will offer a substantial advantage to the team.
Ravi Shastri said “I would say India start as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players, And a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most. Having said that, Pakistan have narrowed the gap. Seven-eight years [ago], there was a gap if you looked at the strength of both teams and man to man. But Pakistan have narrowed it down. They are a very good side, so you have to be on top of your game.”
Nonetheless, Shastri acknowledged the formidable nature of the Pakistani side, underlining that they have significantly closed the gap with India in terms of skill and performance.Shastri further stressed the critical importance of maintaining composure in India-Pakistan encounters.
“That’s what’s important, keeping calm and treating it as just another game. And not overhype it in your mind that makes you think differently. Your game has to be the same as it would be in any other game. But because of that subconscious pressure, it’s the mentally tough guys who normally get it right, When you look at the mix of players on either side, they are fabulous. And it will be a spectacle. In an India-Pakistan game, it is about who handles pressure better, who is calmer, whose thought process is clear. Those are the guys who will come through in those big occasions.” Former Coach added.