Hardik Pandya considers an India-Pakistan game as “extra special”, but refuses to call it a “fight” between the arch-rivals.
Rohit Sharma-led India will take on Pakistan on Sunday in the T20 World Cup and Pandya will be eager to repeat his past success against the cross-border opponents.
“Standing in big games is very exciting for me. I find it extra special and Pakistan has been one team where I have been very fortunate, I have been able to do well in
a lot of games,” Pandya told Star Sports.
Pandya has played six T20Is against Pakistan so far. While his outings with the bat largely remained moderate, having scored just 84 runs with a highest of 40, the Baroda man has fared better with the ball in hand.
The pace-bowling all-rounder has taken 11 wickets from six matches at a very good economy of 7.5 with 3/8 being his best.
“It all comes down to the vibe. Hold your breath, this
is a request. This is not a fight, this is going to be history,” said Pandya.
India began the ICC marquee event with a facile eight-wicket win over Ireland, but Pakistan were stunned by the USA via Super Over on Thursday.
While underlining the riches in India’s bowling unit, Pandya said they needed to remain disciplined against
Pakistan.
“India-Pakistan has always been very exciting, lot of cheer and buzz, a lot of emotion and a lot of excitement... but at the same time, I hope we will be disciplined in that game, one goal as a group is we go and kind of hunt.
“So, if we can do that, I think it will be one more nice day for us,” Hardik had told the BCCI.
