Team India will contest against Babar Azam-led Pakistan in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14. Ahead of the IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup game, star Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan has shared his experience of playing against Pakistan in high-pressure games.
Shikhar Dhawan has played against the Pakistan side on numerous occasions in the ICC tournaments including the 2019 World Cup and 2015 World Cup. The experienced batter believes there’s a lot of excitement and pressure whenever the Men in Blue contest against Pakistan.
There’s excitement but also a lot of pressure: Shikhar Dhawan on IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup clash
“It has always been the case of ‘Whether or not you win the World Cup, don’t lose to Pakistan’ (laughs). But winning the World Cup is also important and by God’s grace hopefully we will,” Dhawan said in a video posted by Star Sports.
“There’s definitely excitement (while playing Pakistan) but also a lot of pressure. There’s definitely a satisfying feeling playing against them when the match ends,” the experienced opener further added.
There’s also some light chat with them: Shikhar Dhawan on IND vs PAK clashes
The left-hand batter who played some exceptional innings in the last two editions of the ODI World Cup stated that there are some light-hearted moments as well during the intense clashes with the Men in Green.
“Whenever I have played Pakistan, we have won mostly. The intensity on the field is also high, but there’s also some light chat with them,” Dhawan stated about IND vs PAK games.
Dhawan has scored 6 centuries and has amassed 1238 runs at an average of 65.15 in the ICC tournaments for the Men in Blue. While he has been the mainstay of the Indian batting lineup for the past few mega tournaments, he hasn’t got any opportunity since December 2022 as the selectors have opted for younger players.
Team India is currently persisting with the opening combination of Rohit Sharma and young Shubman Gill. Keeper-batter Ishan Kishan is being considered as the back up opener by the team management ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
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Meanwhile, before the World Cup, Team India will also face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 game on September 2 at Kandy. Both the teams will look to dominate their opponent in the Asia Cup as it will be the last opportunity to prepare ahead of the ODI World Cup beginning on October 5.