'It is just another match' - Sourav Ganguly opens up on India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash

India and Pakistan will square off in Dubai on August 28, Sunday, in the Asia Cup 2022, and former India captain Sourav Ganguly is confident that Indian senior players Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will know how to cope with the pressure of playing against the arch-rivals.

The BCCI President also insisted that it is “just another match” and that it is not a special match for the players involved but only for the fans. He also spoke about star Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a right knee ligament injury. He expressed that one player alone cannot make difference, and reminded that India too will play without their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

“India vs Pakistan match is just another match,” Ganguly told India Today. “Those who play regularly or when I used to play, I didn’t take Pakistan as any special match. In knockout matches, there is extra pressure. But nothing like that. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul all are experienced players. They know how to handle the pressure. It’s not a big matter for them.”

Virat Kohli will make a comeback soon: Sourav Ganguly

Ganguly previously stressed that Kohli, who has been having a lean patch with the bat, needed more practice ahead of the Asia Cup. When asked about Kohli’s current form, the former India batter said he is hopeful that Kohli would regain form soon. “Virat is a very big player. He has his own formula to make runs. He will make a comeback soon. We are all hopeful,” said the 50-year-old.

The former Indian opener believes that Indian cricket is doing well in all aspects, winning in Australia, England and West Indies. He is also hopeful that India would fare well in the upcoming T20 World Cup. He was also pleased with the inclusion of all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the squad, calling it a “brilliant addition”.

“Hardik is doing very well. Last year he was injured. This time he is also bowling,” said Ganguly. He refused to pick a favourite between India and Pakistan for their upcoming fixture. “No one is favourite in T20 cricket. So everyone is good. Those who will play well will win,” he said.