Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will have a huge responsibility when India take on Pakistan: Gautam Gambhir

Tags: T20 World Cup 2021, India, Pakistan, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Rohit Gurunath Sharma

Published on: Jul 16, 2021

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has said that captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma will have to shoulder the major responsibility when India face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup later in the year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday announced the groups for the Men's T20 World Cup 2021. The event will be held in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 17 to November 14, with BCCI retaining the hosting rights as India were originally scheduled to host the event.

India and Pakistan have been placed in Group 2 of the Super 12s of the T20 World Cup. Speaking about the pressure of an India-Pakistan World Cup clash, Gambhir told Star Sports:

"When I played my first international game against Pakistan I was probably much more excited and nervous as compared to some of the guys who have played a lot of cricket against Pakistan. So, it is the responsibility of the senior guys to probably keep the younger guys calm.”

"Because ultimately it is not the emotion that will win you a game of cricket, it is the contest between the bat and the ball that will end up winning you a game of cricket. So people like Virat Kohli for example, or Rohit Sharma will have a huge responsibility when India take on Pakistan," the former opener added.

Speaking on the same show, Robin Uthappa stated that an India-Pakistan game brings out many emotions and expectations, which is why people always look forward to it. He said, “I think, any cricketer who has played in the past or anyone who looks to play for India is always looking forward to an India-Pakistan game. Because it brings out a lot of emotions - at least for the people who watch the game, more than the people playing it.”

Both Gambhir and Uthappa also agreed that India needed to look beyond the 2007 and 2011 World Cup wins as it is history now. Significantly, Gambhir was the top-scorer for India in both the World Cup victories. Looking back, the former opener said, "It was special (being a part of the 2007 T20 World Cup squad), but I have forgotten about it. To be honest, India need to move on from that. 2007, it's what, more than 13 years ago and I think we need to get rid of this obsession of 2007 and 2011."

"Of course, for me personally, it is a special moment, but I tend to agree with Gautam Gambhir. I think we have achieved that in 2007, so we know that is achievable," said added.

Speaking about the T20 World Cup 2021 groups, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifiers from Round 1 will be in one group. Defending champions West Indies, England, Australia, South Africa and two qualifiers from Round 1 will form the other group.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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