Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (Dubai)
The temperatures have risen in the UAE and especially in Dubai, figuratively and literally, on Saturday, the eve of the India vs Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy cricket tournament.
The clash between the neighbouring countries is the showpiece contest of the entire tournament with the Group B clash coming in early as the fifth fixture of the tournament. On cue, the mercury is scheduled to go up by four degrees on Sunday with many feeling Saturday was hotter than the previous day.
On paper, India are the favourites owing to their squad strength and if Pakistan have to spring a surprise as underdogs, they will count on the finer margins such as the changing weather and the resultant dew.
Why? Because India picked up a squad with five spinners – captain Rohit Sharma insists it is two, the rest three are “all-rounders” who can bowl spin – and gripping the ball will be difficult if there is dew while making batting difficult on a slow-paced pitch in the evening at the Dubai International Stadium. Pakistan’s bowling attack is more leaning towards their pacers. Which means the toss could be crucial.
If the calm before the storm was needed on the eve of the match, both teams’ representatives at the news conference on Saturday were the perfect foil. Based on the match against Bangladesh, when there was no dew, India vice-captain Shubman Gill reckoned that the team chasing will struggle in the second.
Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed spoke articulately and resisted all probing questions on the pressure-cooker situation with the pride at stake, more so for Pakistan, who lost their opening match compared to India’s victory, and have lost Fakhar Zaman to injury. Daman’s century in 2017 Champions Trophy against India proved to be that inspiring moment that motivated the team all the way to winning the title.
Javed, who coached the UAE and Lahore Qalandars when Pakistan played their matches of Pakistan Super League, is no stranger to the conditions. Yet, he reminded everyone that the history, the conditions, the pressure of being in an India-Pakistan match, absence of Zaman… none of it matters. “I have heard lots of options and discussions going on. Other teams have too many spinners and we have lesser spin options; if we lose, we are out of the tournament… I mean, look, there is no game you can say you play without pressure. The first game we lost, okay. After losing a game there is another good chance for you to win and win the third one and make it to the semis.
“Again India and Pakistan don't matter. It's a knockout or whatever. It's beyond a game and that's the beauty of India-Pakistan cricket. And if you look at the positive, I think that is the best time. All our players are waiting for the opportunity to rise above the bar.
“We have selected a team based on our beliefs. Our fast-bowling options are the best. These are the match winners. It's not necessary to follow the strategy of the other teams.
“What is pressure? To do well? And or if it doesn't go well, what will happen? These are the thoughts before and after the match. Right now, we are all guessing what will happen in this match. This is the beauty of it. What will happen, nobody knows anything. If you remove this pressure, what's left in Pakistan-India game? Passion and pressure is what is needed to show a player his performance.
“If you study the entire match [India vs Bangladesh], there was a slight turn, a seam, and it’s good for batting also. So, it's a very balanced supporting pitch,” Javed said.
Where the Pakistan coach expressed his concern was the inability of modern-day cricketers to pace the innings and remain fit for 50 overs.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant is set to miss out on the game with a viral fever. Also Varun Chakravarthy and KL Rahul had special, extended sessions where the latter focused on some unorthodox shots, suggesting the Indian team’s preparations for all scenarios.
