Asia Cup 2023: It is a huge game, always was and always will be – Sourav Ganguly on India vs Pakistan clash

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has opened up on the India versus Pakistan rivalry. Ganguly said it is a huge game and the team that will handle the pressure well, will go on to win. The former left-handed opener also shared how he prepared for the big match against Pakistan during his heydays.

The southpaw had a decent record while playing against Pakistan as he scored 1652 runs in 53 ODI matches at an average of 35.14.

Ganguly said he used to treat that match against Pakistan like playing against potent teams such as Australia and South Africa.

When India and Pakistan last met on the international stage in the T20 World Cup 2022, it was the former who won by four wickets after Virat Kohli played a scintillating knock of 82 runs.

Sourav Ganguly said in an interview with RevSportz, “It is a huge game. Always was and always will be. You have realized how important it is in the context of the World Cup.”

The former BCCI chief went on to add, “I used to treat it very much like an India-Australia, India-South Africa contest. You can’t let the occasion get to you because that’s when you tend to lose focus.”

Ganguly added it is not just another game and the players have to handle the pressure with guile.

“No its not [just another game]. You have to prepare yourself that way. That’s how you manage pressure. In my tenure we had a great record against Pakistan but this time round it will be a more competitive game. Last year after Pakistan beat India in Dubai things have changed,” he said.

Meanwhile, India will take on Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on October 14 in the big World Cup match. India has had its wood on Pakistan in ODI World Cup matches, winning all seven matches. Ganguly added India will be the favorites but they will need to play well against the Babar Azam-led team.

“India are the favorites and there is no doubt about that. India also has the record against Pakistan in World Cup 50 over contests. But you have to play well on the day. India has some very good fast bowlers, and some fine spinners so it will depend on execution on the day.”

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on September 2.