World Cup 2023: Bigger test of India’s temperament awaits in the game against Pakistan – Sunil Gavaskar

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar feels the bigger test of India’s temperament awaits in the big clash against Pakistan. India kicked off their World Cup campaign on a winning note as they registered a six-wicket victory against Australia. On the other hand, Pakistan also won against the Netherlands by 81 runs.

In fact, India has won all seven matches against Pakistan in ODI World Cup history and the Men in Green are yet to savor their maiden against the arch-rivals in the ODI showpiece.

It is well known that India vs Pakistan in a World Cup is always a high-pressure match and it would be interesting to note which team will hold its nerves in crunch situations. India recently defeated Pakistan by a mammoth margin of 228 runs in the Super Fours stage clash of the Asia Cup after KL Rahul and Virat Kohli scored fine centuries.

“A bigger test of their temperament awaits in the game against Pakistan in front of perhaps the largest ever crowd at a cricket game in Ahmedabad. To some in India, winning that game is more important than winning the World Cup. The same, of course, will be the feeling across the border, but perhaps a lot more than in India,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

The Little Master reckons when both of these teams were knocked out early in the 2007 World Cup without taking on each other, since then ICC has made sure they face each other early in the big events.

“India and Pakistan usually clash against each other first before they play other teams in the Asia Cup or the ICC World Cup. This is after what happened in the 2007 World Cup where both India and Pakistan who were in different groups were knocked out before they reached the knockout round,” Gavaskar stated.

“Thereafter, no matter what the rankings, if there are two groups then India and Pakistan will be in the same group to ensure at least one game between the rivals that gets the entire sub-continent hooked up and the zillion plus eyeballs is what the broadcasters pay trillions for,” he added.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were able to play match-winning knocks of 85 and 97* respectively and the renowned commentator hailed the duo for absorbing the pressure.

“India’s come-from-behind win in their opening game against Australia indicates that they are well prepared to absorb pressure and then move forward as and when the opportunity presents itself,” Gavaskar said.

India will take on Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on October 14.