Mushtaq Mohammad at his residence in Birmingham. Image Source: XtraTime

Debasis Sen, Birmingham: India and Pakistan, whenever these two teams face each other in any game the tension will always be high. In the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 India is on a roll as they are still unbeaten and on the other hand Pakistan are yet to confirm their berth in the semis. They are heavily relying their arch rivals as if India wins the game against England, Pakistan's chance will be high to qualify for the semis. Former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad too want India to win for the sake of Pakistan. While giving an Exclusive interview to www.xtratime.in Mushtaq talked about India vs England game, Pakistan team, Virat Kohli & other things. Here goes the full interview:

XT: For Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals it all depends on India. So who do you think will be the favourites in England vs India game?

Mushtaq: First of all we are praying that India will win, so the one door will win for Pakistan. Then Pakistan has to win their remaining to matches and only after that Pakistan will get a chance to qualify. So Pakistan is fighting with the hope against hope right now.

XT: Do you think spin will play a very big role in India vs England game?

Mushtaq: Having watched the last game between Pakistan & England here two days ago I can say that it’s a slow wicket but the ball turned a lot. The reason is it’s been very dry here and it will help the spinners as the ball will grip the surface. The Indians have some tremendous spinners, I hope they bowl well on this surface and take full advantage of it. Beside that England too have a couple of good spinners in Adil Rashid & Moeen Ali, so it will be a battle of giants.

XT: Should India go with three spinners in this game as Shankar isn’t doing well?

Mushtaq: I will play Jadeja rather than Vijay Shankar. I think then it gives you another option of left arm bowler who bowls with quite a good pace and beside that he is a good batsman as well.

XT: You are well known as a big fan of Virat. What’s your take on him?

Mushtaq: Yes I think Virat Kohli is one of the finest batsmen in the World right now. My idol was Sachin Tendulkar when he used play, I watched more or less every game he played and what a player he was. And now he has been replaced with Virat Kohli. I wouldn’t say even better but just as good. I am so lucky to see these two talented youngsters and the exhibition of their highest class of batting, that’s why I consider myself very lucky.

Here goes the full video of the interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEfuGfo_qtw

Exclusive: This former Pak captain wants Kohli & his boys to win against England at Edgbaston. But why?