Describing August 28’s India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash as just another match, Indian cricket board chief Sourav Ganguly on August 26 said the Rohit Sharma-led side had the experience to handle any pressure situation.
“India versus Pakistan match is just another match. Those who play regularly… or when I used to play, I don’t take Pakistan as any special match,” former India skipper told media personnel during a promotional event in Kolkata.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president said while there was extra pressure in knockout games, it was not such in group league engagements.
Ganguly said Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul were all experienced players and knew “how to handle the pressure”. “It’s not a big matter for them.”
Ganguly did not believe that absence of Saheen Afridi from Pakistan team would make any difference to the game.
“I don’t think so. No one player can make a difference. It’s a teamwork. We also don’t have Jasprit Bumrah,” he said.
The former Indian captain did not think any of the teams in the Asia Cup had any advantage over the rest.
“No one is in advantage, T20 is a different format. Those who will play better in those 2-3 hours will win. T20 game is having less recovery time,” he said.
On the x-factor in the Indian team, Ganguly said Rohit Sharma, Virat, Pant, Rahul, Hardik, everyone is good. Pakistan too has good side. Babar Azam, Rizwan is also good.
On Virat Kohli’s form, Ganguly said: “Virat is a very big player. He is having an own formula to make runs. He will make a comeback soon. We are all hopeful.”
