We never give big statements: Virender Sehwag on India's record against Pakistan in ICC tournaments

Former India batter Virender Sehwag believes that the Indian team has held the advantage over arch-rivals Pakistan in ICC tournaments because they never make big statements. The two teams will face off in the T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 24). When it comes to ICC events, India has a perfect record against Pakistan, having defeated them five times in T20 World Cup history. 

Sehwag also stated that the Indian team handles pressure situations well and prioritises preparation over making statements. Not only have India dominated Pakistan in the T20 World Cups, but they have also dominated Pakistan in the ODI World Cups, with a 7-0 record. However, in 2017, the latter defeated India in the Champions Trophy Final. That was an isolated incident, and Sehwag believes Indian players handle tense situations better than their Asian counterparts.

Sehwag’s comments come after a news anchor in Pakistan reportedly made the remark, “Pakistan tareekh badal denge (Pakistan will change the date)” ahead of their crunch tie with India in the T20 World Cup.

‘POSITION REMAINS BETTER THAN PAKISTAN IN THE WORLD CUP’

“If I talk about the 2011 World Cup or the 2003 World Cup, we are under less pressure because our position remains better than Pakistan in the World Cup. So in my opinion, when we play with that attitude, we never give big statements. There are always some big statements from the Pakistani side like he [Pakistani news anchor] said at the starting of his show,” Sehwag said to ABP News. 

“India never says such things because they go better prepared. And when you go better prepared, you already know what the result would be,” the former Indian opener added.

CURRENT PAKISTAN SIDE CAPABLE OF BEATING INDIA

However, Sehwag also said that the current Pakistan T20 side has what it takes to inflict a defeat on India. The former cricketer believes that match-winners like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi could turn the tide of any match. The former India batter also believes the T20 format is unpredictable, and that a single player can change the momentum in a matter of balls and that Pakistan has a better chance of defeating India in the T20 format.

“If we talk about the current scenario and this format, then I think this is where Pakistan always has more chances because they might not play that well in the longer 50-over format. In this format, even one player can defeat any team. But still, Pakistan hasn’t been able to do that, we’ll see what happens on the 24th (October),” he said.

India recorded an impressive victory over England on Monday in a warm-up match in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup on Monday. Virat Kohli had won the toss and elected to field. The Three Lions posted 188-5 on the board in 20 overs and India made 192-3 in 19. Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul constructed a fine partnership for the first wicket to lead their team to a fine victory. Both openers reached their half-centuries at a quick pace, with Rahul making 51 and Kishan scoring 70.