Lose even to Kenya however to not Pakistan: Anil Kumble on strain of India vs Pakistan matches

Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble believes it’s crucial to deal with a cricket match in opposition to archrival Pakistan as if it have been simply one other recreation, or else the strain will get to the gamers. The former Indian captain added that when he was enjoying, the hype was such that followers would have been wonderful even when they misplaced to Kenya, however to not Pakistan.

India will renew their rivalry with arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 on the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in a match for the Asia Cup 2023. India and Pakistan final met on the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) within the 2022 T20 World Cup, the place a Virat Kohli particular helped the Men in Blue beat the Babar Azam-led aspect by 4 wickets off the final ball in a nail-biter.

“In our times, the word was ‘lose even to Kenya but not to Pakistan’. There was pressure and expectation on the players. That’s how the matches between India and Pakistan are being played and the key is to treat it as just another match,” Kumble stated right here whereas talking throughout the launch of Pitchside, the memoir written by veteran cricket administrator Amrit Mathur.

Former India batter and present NCA chief VVS Laxman, in addition to former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani, attended the operate. Kumble nonetheless remembers his 10-wicket haul in opposition to Pakistan fondly.

Kumble mentioned the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry on the Bengaluru launch of Amrit Mathur’s e book Pitchside on Tuesday, August 8.

“I did not go onto the field thinking of a 10-wicket haul, though that is the dream of any bowler. However, in the next Test match against Pakistan, the Asian Test Championship at Kolkata, I was struggling to take even one wicket. That is the game of cricket for you,” he stated.

“Pakistan was ready to give any amount of security to us. There were police vehicles in front and behind our team bus, a helicopter above the team bus, Rapid Action Force in all major road points and snipers on top of buildings en route to the stadium, especially in Karachi. At one point, even players were feeling why we need so much security, but overall the tour went off well,” stated Mathur.

Published On:

Aug 9, 2023