Former Pakistan bowler Umar Gul believes that if Pakistan can eliminate Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli early in their T20 World Cup 2021 match, they would easily defeat their arch-rivals. On October 24, the battle of India versus Pakistan will begin.
Interestingly, India maintains an excellent record versus Pakistan in ICC competitions. They have a 12-0 head-to-head record, with 7 wins in ODI World Cups and 5 in T20 World Cups. Unfortunately, India was defeated by Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final in 2017 by a huge 180 runs.
Due to political tensions between the two countries, India-Pakistan has been restricted to an ICC event, with these two sides scheduled to meet one other for the 1st time since the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, which India won by 89 runs.
“India has worked really hard on their team and realistically, they are very strong. The IPL has benefitted them and given them several players. If you have to look at their batting, then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the main players. They are a part of India’s top order. Get them out and India will be under pressure. If in the Powerplay, Pakistan can dismiss 2-3 of their top-order batsmen, then it will be tough for the rest of the batsmen,” Gul told Cricket Pakistan.
It’s time to back the players rather than demoralize them: Umar Gul
Gul went on to address the criticism raised at the selection decisions, stating that now is the moment for the country to stand strong behind the players rather than demotivate them.
“No doubt that the [T20 World Cup] squad has been criticized a lot since it was announced. I think we should criticize the squad but don’t mention the names of players because our cricket is going through a difficult phase after the cancellation of the New Zealand and England tours of Pakistan. It’s time to back the players rather than demoralize them,” said Gul.
“Our team has the potential to qualify for the final four, especially because the matches are being played in UAE as the conditions will suit us [Pakistan],” he said.
