New Delhi: When India faces Pakistan, everything is at stake. It seems that the world seems to be in a stagnation, the roads become silent, and the house deaf with cheers or pin-drop silence. A blue sea sea will flood when ‘Mother-off’-ALL-Clash with Sunday (23 February) Rohit Sharma And Mohammad Rizwan stepped for the toss at Dubai International Stadium.
India is placed in Group A along with Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand. He will launch his campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on 20 February, followed by a much awaited demonstration against Pakistan on 23 February before going to New Zealand on 2 March.
The last time these two fierce rivals were found in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where India won an exciting six runs in a low scoring encounter.
In a special interview with Timesofindia.comFormer Pakistan Speedster Abdur Rauf Khan shared his insight on the upcoming blockbuster Clash, Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Rising star Harshit Rana, Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate, and more …
Does Jasprit Bumrah’s absence greatly affect India’s opportunities?
Absolutely. If Bumrah plays, I would confidently say that India will win. He is currently the best fast bowler in the world, who performs excellent in all formats – Odis, tests and T20s. In my opinion, he is currently the most complete bowler in the game. India has trusted Bumrah a lot in the last two years, and unfortunately, they do not have a similar replacement. Sirj performed well in the last Asia Cup and World Cup, but he has been out of form for the last six months. Without Bumrah, India’s speed attack lacks a leader, and it would be challenging for a newcomer to handle the pressure against top teams such as Pakistan, Australia, England and New Zealand. His absence will be a huge loss for India.
Do you think Harshit Rana is a good selection Mohammad Siraj,
I think India should have been stuck with Siraj. For what he did by Pakistan except Abdullah Shafiq, he is making similar mistakes, which exceptionally performed well in the last World Cup. Suraj has been the top artist for India in the major tournament over the years. His place with an inexperienced bowler is risky with an inexperienced bowler just before a major event. It takes time to accommodate new bowlers, especially in challenging circumstances such as Pakistan, Dubai and Sharjah. It is not easy to handle pressure in such important matches. I believe that India should have supported Siraj with Shami. But it is up to the selectors – see how the new player performs.
With Jaspreet Bumrah being absent, Mohammed Shami will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders …
Shami is now India’s most experienced fast bowler, and I believe he can handle the pressure well. He is continuously playing first -class cricket, which helps to maintain rhythm and fitness. You can always judge a player’s form from your first class performance, and Shami has proved himself again and again. He was extraordinary in the previous World Cup and other major tournaments. The place of Bumrah is almost impossible, I think Shami will take steps and take the attack effectively.
Which two major players of India and Pakistan you think can change the game?
For India, I will choose Hardik Pandya And Rohit Sharma. Pandya is a match-winner who can change the game with both bat and ball, while Rohit’s experience is invaluable in high pressure games. For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan is always a threat against India – he has a great record in these encounters. Other prominent players, in my opinion, are Nasim Shah. He is Pakistan’s most consistent bowler, with great control over his line and length.
You did not mention Shaheen Shah AfridiWhat about his fight against Virat Kohli?
A few years ago, I certainly included Shaheen Shah Afridi. At his peak, he was one of the best fast bowlers, regularly 145+ km per hour and the ball was beautifully swinging. But after his knee injury, he has lost speed-now the bowling-and the ball is not effectively swinging at a distance of 134–135 kmph. His bowling action has also changed after injury, affecting his ability to take an initial wicket with the new ball. His strength was always his ability to move the ball to the air, which bothering top -order batsmen [batters] Like Rohit Sharma. At the moment, however, he is struggling, and I think Nasim Shah is a more dangerous bowler for Pakistan.
India chose not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. What do you have to take on that?
I think India should have traveled to Pakistan just like all other teams. Pakistan is an official host, and when India hosted the World Cup, Pakistan played all its matches in India. It was a great opportunity for Pakistani fans to see Indian stars playing live. But unfortunately, political issues have stopped India from traveling. Regardless, Pakistan will still travel to play against India whenever necessary, and Pakistani fans will miss to see this great rivalry on their home soil.
Who are your four semi -finalists for the Champions Trophy?
My favorite team is New Zealand. They have great team balance, strong speed and well -defined roles for each player. India is another strong contender. South Africa is playing excellent cricket and can go far. For the fourth team, Pakistan has a chance – especially if they win their initial matches against New Zealand.
What do you think the title is favorite?
New Zealand is my top pick. They are a well -balanced, experienced side with a strong batting lineup, quality bowlers and good spinners. Even more importantly, he has a clear understanding of his sports plans, which gives them an edge over other teams.
How do you define India-Pakistan rivalry? Some say that it is bigger than ash.
It is an electrification competition – which is the biggest sport in world cricket. This rivalry is just beyond cricket; The pressure and intensity of an India-Pakistan match is unmatched all over the world. This time, both teams match equally. If Bumrah was playing, I would have given India a clear benefit, but with their absence, the competition looks very close. This is going to be an exciting battle.
Babur Azam is often compared to Virat Kohli. What is your matter on this debate?
Both are great players, but in my opinion, Virat Kohli has no comparison. His class, continuity, and ability to perform under pressure separated him. Babur Azam, when in form, is extraordinary. But personally, my favorite batsman [batter] Rohit Sharma is. I believe that Rohit is currently the best batsman [batter] In world cricket. He is better than Virat and Babur.
What is your prediction for high-octane India vs Pakistan Conflict?
You can never predict the result of India vs Pakistan match. It is always a high pressure game, and it is not just India and Pakistan-fans from all over the world are invested in this competition. Both teams are strong, so it is difficult to predict. A month ago, if you had asked me, I confidently said that India had an upper hand with Bumrah in the squad. But now, with his absence, it is very difficult to call. He played an important role in India’s victory in the last Asia Cup and World Cup. At this time, I believe that teams are matched equally.
The significant difference for India lies in experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have played the role of many India-Pakistan encounters and know how to handle pressure. On side to Pakistan, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are senior players to see. However, Babur was not in his best performance in the last one year, which puts additional pressure on Pakistan. Keeping the situation in Dubai, I will still say that Pakistan has a slight increase in India.
