The game versus New Zealand being no result thanks to rain yet again, most of the talking is now about India’s next game, which is against Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday.

Against Pakistan, India have never lost in the 50-over World Cup, and for captain Virat Kohli, it’s all about “having a game plan and executing it.” But the clash does bring out the best in all the players, the India skipper added.

Speaking after Thursday’s game against the Black Caps in Nottingham was abandoned, Kohli said: “For Sunday, we know we’re there when it comes to the mindset. It’s just about going out there, having a game plan and executing it.

“As soon as you enter the field, it’s calm and relaxed. All the excitement and frenzy surrounding the game could intimidate guys who are playing for the first time, but no matter what, we’ll look to execute well.

“It’s been competitive for years. It’s a marquee event all over the world and it’s an honour to be a part of the big game, which brings out the best in all of us.”

India will be missing Shikhar Dhawan in Sunday’s marquee game, but Kohli is optimistic of the left-handed batsman’s availability from the latter half of the league stage of the competition.

“Shikhar is going to be in a plaster for a couple of weeks and then we’ll assess and see where he stands. Hopefully, he’ll be available for the latter half and then the semi-finals.

“He’s motivated, that’s why we wanted to keep him back,” Kohli stressed.

Following the no result, India now have five points from three games and are placed third in the standings behind New Zealand and Australia. Kohli, though, feels it was a sensible decision to abandon the game, as the outfield wasn’t good enough, while the team cannot risk any injury as well at this stage

“It was disappointing not to get any game time at all. But from the players’ point of view and looking at where the teams are placed, it was a sensible decision to not get going especially when it is not safe to play. We don’t want injuries at this stage.

“We’ve been playing good cricket of late, so we are not too worried about where we stand.

“Having two wins does give you confidence. A couple of practice sessions and we should be fine... It’s only about getting game time,” Kohli explained.

His counterpart Kane Williamson, however, wasn’t surprise with yet another no result. “We have been here for four days and haven’t seen any sun, so (it) doesn’t come as too much of a surprise for us.

“It’s not ideal and at the same time, a little bit of time off is also very important in these tournaments.”

“We do have a little break now, which I guess is an interesting period midway through the tournament… A good chance for us to freshen up ” Williamson said.