India-Pakistan clash is not about Babar Azam versus Virat Kohli: Vengsarkar

 By K.R. Nayar

Dilip Vengsarkar, who has played some spectacular knocks during the India-Pakistan matches in Sharjah, believes that when an equal number of supporters from both teams cheer from the stands then every player should be at the top of his game. Vengsarkar, who has experienced the emotions involved in an India-Pakistan clash here, talked about the approach needed for India to win the match

Dilip Vengsarkar 

Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who has played many sterling knocks against Pakistan in Sharjah, wants the India-Pakistan match on Sunday (October 23) not to be seen as a Virat Kohli versus Babar Azam battle. Though both the skippers are one among the finest batsmen in world cricket today, Vengsarkar, in an exclusive interview from Mumbai, said: “It’s not about a Babar Azam versus Kohli clash as many are talking. It is much more than that because winning the match is vital at all costs. Every player must put their best foot forward.”

Vengsarkar had cracked a half-century in the much-talked-about 1986 Australia Asia Cup final when Pakistan won through Javed Miandad’s last-ball six. Having experienced the charged atmosphere of an India-Pakistan match in the UAE, he said: “India-Pakistan match is an old rivalry, emotions are very high, especially in the UAE where you have an equal number of supporters for both the teams. So every Indian player should be at the top of their game.”

Virat Kohli. Photo: ICC

The legendary batsman, who had also cracked an unbeaten 95 against Pakistan in the 1987 Sharjah Cup, hopes for India to start on a winning note. “It’s always important to start on a winning note. That gives the momentum as well as the mental advantage. So if India can start off with a win against Pakistan, it will be the apt start for this World Cup. An India-Pakistan match is more than a game and I am sure India will do well,” he added.

According to Vengsarkar, India must think that they are the favourties. “India is a very strong side when compared to Pakistan. However, in a T20 format, anything can happen. If you have two to three bad overs it can change the complexion of the game. There is solid power in India’s batting, excellent spinners, and good fast bowlers. So India must start with the belief that they are the favourites.”

Babar Azam. Photo: ICC

When asked about what approach should Kohli take for this match, Vengsarkar said: “I think his approach has been very good. He is one of the best captains and being one of the finest batsmen in world cricket is an advantage too. He has a very strong character. Also, he has played extremely well against Pakistan whenever the two sides have played against each other. So Kohli’s approach should be very aggressive and positive at the same time.”