The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan World Cup contest, now rescheduled to 14 October at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, has been the talk of the cricketing world. In a recent interview with The Week, former cricketing legend Kapil Dev discussed the immense pressure surrounding this iconic match.
Kapil Dev shared his perspective on pressure, stating that it doesn’t arise merely when facing the ball; it starts building up even before that. He humorously mentioned instances like when a waiter serves coffee and says, “Don’t lose to Pakistan,” indicating how the hype and anticipation for this match begin long before the players step onto the field.
The veteran cricketer’s remarks come in the backdrop of Indian players facing severe trolling in the past for making mistakes during matches against Pakistan. The intense rivalry between the two nations often amplifies the pressure on the players to deliver exceptional performances.
Regarding India’s chances in the ICC World Cup 2023, Kapil Dev expressed optimism, saying his heart believes in India’s potential, but the team has a long journey ahead. He stressed the importance of various factors like luck, avoiding injuries, and strong team performances for winning the prestigious tournament, emphasizing that securing a spot in the top four should be the primary goal.
Kapil Dev also commented on India’s recent performances, acknowledging the team’s confidence while pointing out that it can sometimes lead to complacency, with players thinking they know everything and not seeking advice from others.
In addition to Kapil Dev’s observations, other cricketing veterans, including Sunil Gavaskar, have also raised questions about Team India’s decision-making. Gavaskar has been critical of the cricket management’s choices, particularly during the India vs West Indies series, where he questioned the inclusion of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli against a relatively weaker West Indies team.
During the second ODI against West Indies, India suffered a defeat when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were absent from the playing XI, and Hardik Pandya took over the team’s command.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the India vs Pakistan clash, these insights from cricket legends add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.