"Indian team will yet again perform very well," says Kedar Jadhav ahead of Pakistan T20 World Cup clash
Pimpri-Chinchwad, February 14
Ahead of the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash, former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav expressed hope that Team India will repeat their good performance and cited head-to-head record standing at 7-1 in India's favour.
Speaking to ANI, the former Indian cricketer said, "This is a high-voltage sporting event... India has always won against Pakistan in World Cup matches, and possibly tomorrow, the Indian team will yet again perform very well," Jadhav said, reinforcing his belief in the team's abilities.
Jadhav highlighted the standout performances in recent matches, particularly praising Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan. "In the last match, Hardik Pandya played very well, including Ishan Kishan. Be it Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy or Arshdeep Singh... the entire team has come together in a great form at the right time," he added, acknowledging the depth of talent in the squad.
India have 7-1 record against Pakistan in T20I World Cup matches. Jadhav also made a light-hearted remark, saying, "Baap Akhir Mein Baap Hota Hai," further fueling the excitement surrounding the match, signalling India's dominance in the rivalry.
Meanwhile, former Indian team captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed hope that the India-Pakistan group clash in the T20 World Cup will be "high voltage", noting that there have not been close encounters between the two teams in recent years.
Ganguly told ANI that India is a very good team and hoped they would play well tomorrow and in other World Cup matches.
"It (the match) should be high voltage. There hasn't been high voltage for the past few years. The quality of the match should be good. Hope it happens tomorrow. India is a very good team, a very powerful team, and we hope that it will play well tomorrow. Not just tomorrow but the entire World Cup," Ganguly said.
Answering a query, he said both teams are balanced, but India is a very strong team.
"Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma is fit, that is very good news for India," he said.
Sharma, who had a battle with a stomach infection which kept him out of the T20 World Cup clash against Namibia in Delhi, was seen practising in the nets ahead of the marquee clash against Pakistan at Colombo, scheduled for Sunday.
After a golden duck in the title defence opener against the USA at Wankhede Stadium, Abhishek was hospitalised due to a stomach infection, according to the BCCI sources. The southpaw was not looking well during the team dinner at the head coach Gautam Gambhir's residence, and was the first to leave the place.
While there is no official word yet on whether he will play, his being in the nets has been seen as an encouraging sign.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I'm hopeful for a win, I wish the former players would focus more on the spirit of the game rather than making statements like "Baap Akhir Mein Baap Hota Hai." It adds unnecessary pressure and can come across as arrogant. Let the cricket do the talking.
Good to hear Abhishek Sharma is back in the nets! His form at the top is crucial. Fingers crossed he's fully fit. The balance looks good with Hardik and Bumrah in prime form. 💪
Ganguly's point about wanting a high-voltage, close encounter is interesting. A one-sided match is no fun, even if we win. Hope it's a thrilling contest where our team comes out on top! 🤞
Past record is past record. Every match is a new day. We have a strong team, but we must respect the opponent and not take anything for granted. Play hard, boys!
So much excitement! My whole family is planning a get-together just to watch the match. The atmosphere is electric already. Let's go, Team India! Bring the cup home! 🏆
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