As excitement builds around the highly-awaited India-Pakistan clash set to occur in the upcoming Champions Trophy, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina expressed his views on the match of high stakes. Discussing the intense rivalry, Raina took a trip down memory lane to reflect on past performances while highlighting crucial factors that could turn the tide. Raina made an entry from the Star Sports Press Room, saying, “As we talk about the Champions Trophy, I remember Mohammed Amir’s spell. He got Rohit’s and Virat’s wickets.”
While Amir’s flair during the 2017 final helped clinch the match, Raina maintains that this new encounter offers India a new chance to return to the winning combinations.
Further, Raina assured the fans of India’s star batter Virat Kohli, saying: “I think it will be nearly fifty for both sides. But, of course, Kohli will once again come and win it for India; it’s just that his performance will be out of the box.”
However, he bolstered Pakistan’s strengths, particularly with their bowling line-up.
“I think Pakistan has a better bowling attack. We have left-arm fast bowlers, and whenever they play in Dubai, they really make it count with all the passion they kick into these games. Plus, they have that home advantage,” said Raina.
He then went on to elaborate on how Pakistan is used to playing in Dubai, declaring: “Pakistan has played a lot of cricket here. We also did lose a World Cup game against them in Dubai. However, this scenario will change. Rohit Sharma is aware of how important these matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand are.”
Pointing out that India’s top order batsmen are quite important, Raina said: “My opinion is that one of the top three–Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli–needs to bat through until the 35th over. Then we have those kinds of batsmen who can clear the ropes.”
The India-Pakistan rivalry has always invoked great emotional reaction from fans and players. Raina mentioned this: “You know that there is a different kind of passion when it comes to India versus Pakistan. Lots of people from Delhi might be planning to go to Dubai to watch matches.”
Raina ended on a rallying call for Kohli, quoting former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, saying, “As Shoaib Akhtar said, ‘Wake up, Virat, you have to face Pakistan.'”
