5 players to watch out for in Indo-Pak World T20 clash

Despite losing the opening game in World T20, hosts India will back themselves to deliver the goods against arch-rivals Pakistan tomorrow in Kolkata. Pakistan though will enter the match with some self-belief after thrashing Bangladesh at the same venue by 55 runs. The visitors have never won against India in six 50-over World Cup matches (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011 and 2015). They have also come out second best in four World T20 encounters (two in 2007 and in 2012, 2014) however have never been beaten by the Men in Blue in 4 ODIs at Eden Gardens. Here’s a look at 5 players who could make a difference in this high-voltage encounter.

1. Virat Kohli:

The in-form batsman is the backbone of Team India’s batting line-up. His brilliant performances in recent series have been instrumental to the team’s success. Kohli was the highest run scorer in the 2014 edition of the World T20 and over the last couple of years he has become a run-machine. In the arch-rivals’ most recent meeting, at the Asia Cup three weeks ago, pacer Mohammad Amir dismissed the openers early to have India struggling in their chase of a paltry 84. Kohli saw off Amir’s hostile spell, his calm and assured 51-ball 49 taking India home.