Out of all their fixtures, India were belted more by Oman in their latest fixture. Although India just won by 21 runs, it gave an idea of how poor were India’s bowling and fielding altogether.
Now, India faces a new challenge moving into the Super four of the tournament. They will face their arch-rivals Pakistan again on 21st September. In their previous meeting on 14th September, India won the game single handedly and if anything the team India will like to replicate that performance.
SuryaKumar Yadav, India’s captain, was engaged in the pre-match press conference where he shared his mantra before any Pakistan and India game.
“Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep,” he laughed. Everyone in the room laughed too, and then he continued. “Of course, it’s not always possible. You meet a lot of friends, you go out to dinner. You have other players also around who like to see all these things. So it’s very difficult, but then it’s on you. What you want to listen to, what you want to have in your mind.
“But I have been very clear with all the boys. I think it’s very important. If you want to do well in this tournament and going forward, we will have to shut out a lot of noise from outside. And take what is good for you.
“I’m not saying shut the noise completely, but take what is good for you. Someone can give you good advice as well, which can help you in the game, which can help you on the ground. So I think that is very important for me. And rest, I feel everyone is in a good space.”
Suryakumar had made a joke about forgetting his team changes and becoming like Rohit Sharma during the Oman game’s toss. When asked if the rivalry between India and Pakistan is still the same as it was in 2003, he also channeled peak Rohit during the press conference.
“I don’t know, I wasn’t there,” he said. “But when I see a full stadium, I just tell the boys it’s time for entertainment!”
In an alternative manner, he was asked if India would play the same way they did against Pakistan in the last game. That’s a very indirect way to ask if they refuse to shake hands.
“By doing the same, you mean with the ball, right? Then fine,” he laughed. “It’s a good intensity contest. Like I said in the last question, the stadium is full. You get the best crowds. Put your best foot forward for the country and enjoy the game.”
Then a cricketing question came up. One of the few that didn’t focus exclusively on the noise, the controversies, or India vs. Pakistan. Varun Chakravarthy, who played the first two games but missed the one against Oman, was one of the players who tried to balance being given opportunities with resting others.
“He did bowl a lot in the nets yesterday,” Suryakumar said. “That’s his routine. If he’s playing or not playing, he likes to come to the ground, bowl around 8-10 overs. Today [on Friday] also in the warm-up, he was almost pumped up.
“It felt like he was playing the game. I had to tell him, ‘Macha (dude), you’re taking a rest today. But his preparations are spot on. Irrespective of whether he’s playing or not. One thing which is different from everyone is his preparation. I feel he’s always ready to play the game.”
It is eminent to mention that Pakistan have canceled their press conference ahead of the Ind-Pak clash.
