Anil Kumble said that you don’t want to do things differently just because it’s an India versus Pakistan match. India is set to take on Pakistan in a blockbuster ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Kumble said the preparations will be same for both teams while adding that there will be nervousness as it’s India versus Pakistan. India will be looking to extend their 7-0 record against Pakistan in ODI World Cups.
“I think the preparations will be the same, it’s just that on that particular day when you walk on to the field you will certainly have that feeling of yes, we have to win this. The result matters and it’s India versus Pakistan, and India has always trumped Pakistan in a World Cup match.,” said Kumble.
He went on to say that players should not change their preparations just because it’s an India versus Pakistan match. India has started their 2023 World Cup campaign with back-to-back wins over 5-time champions Australia and new-comers Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan also got their campaign off to a perfect start, defeating Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad.
“So that feeling is there, the nervousness is there for any game, but more so for an India-Pakistan game, and once the first ball is bowled everything is back to normal. It’s just doing the regular things that you would do preparing for any other match. You don’t want to do things differently just because it’s India- Pakistan,” Kumble added.
India are placed third in the World Cup 2023 points table with a net run-rate of +1.500, while Pakistan occupy the fourth spot with the net run-rate of +0.927.
Pakistan will be looking to get their first win against India in ODI World Cups, while the Men in Blue will aim to keep their winning streak intact against their neighbors.
