Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India captain Virat Kohli on Saturday sounded confident that ace all rounder Hardik Pandya will be in a position to bowl a couple of overs starting with the Pakistan game on Sunday in T20 World Cup 2021 here at the Dubai International Stadium.
I honestly feel Hardik presently is getting much better to bowl two overs. We believe he can be considered bowling a couple of overs. Gives us an option. I always backed his batting abilities. He himself is motivated and keen to start bowling two overs at least,” said Kohli in his pre match conference.
Although Pakistan has named their final 12, the Indian team management are yet to announce it. Speaking on the combination, Kohli said, “We have spoken about it. We have put in place a balanced team. We have all bases covered. Everyone is playing well and are in form in IPL. It is now down to execution and everyone has a clarity of their roles.”
Talking about the pressure of an Indo-Pak clash, Virat said, “It is just another game for me. It is not difficult for us to switching off from the situation. It is also important to understand as professional cricketers we need to keep our focus on the game and not concentrate on unnecessary stuff going around outside.”
He added, “We try to go into any game with absolute preparation. All people in the team have been executing their roles to perfection.”
On being asked how important it is to have clarity of thought in T20 format, Kohli said, “Clarity of thought is very important in this format. I would say even 3-4 balls can change the momentum of the game.”
The conditions in UAE specially in the evening matches will be crucial with the dew factor.
“Pitches in last 10 days should provide significant changes. Quality of wickets will be far better than IPL. ICC tournaments the standard of wickets is maintained across all venues. IPL final wicket was a good one. Dew factor will be huge and is becoming prominent. Abu Dhabi and Dubai has the best wickets. Sharjah we all know will be low and slow,” said Kohli
Lastly on being asked if going into the match with a 7-0 record in ICC World Cups will give his side an edge, Kohli said, “Our mindset will remain the same. Pakistan team is a strong team and have players who can change the course of the match.”