The D-day of the India vs Pakistan clash has finally arrived as the teams will face each other at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Over the years, this match has been a must-watch for fans, former cricketers and many other cricket pundits as well. India’s record in T20 World Cup history is heavy at 7-1.
Pakistan’s last win in the World Cup against India came in 2021, when Babar Azam was the captain. It shows some of the best moments of Virat Kohli from his brilliant six to his ball out in 2007. However, this time, two of India’s cricket legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will not feature in the India vs Pakistan game.
When was the last time Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma did not attend a World Cup match against Pakistan?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma last featured in the 2024 edition of the competition as the two cricket greats have announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game. This is only the second time that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be together in India’s most important encounter against Pakistan in the World Cup.
The last time both Virat and Rohit missed a group stage game was almost two decades ago in 2007 against Pakistan at Kingsmead, South Africa, as the match ended in a bowl-out in favor of the Men in Blue. Since then neither of the two players has played in this important match against the Men in Green.
Records of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma against Pakistan
Virat Kohli has scored 312 runs in six innings against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup at an excellent average of 156, which includes four half-centuries. His best innings came in 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia, where he played an unbeaten inning of 82 runs. Rohit’s records are not very good, as his average has dropped to 16.2 in seven matches as he has scored just 81 runs.
The match will be a more important match for both sides after weeks of drama with Pakistan deciding not to play against India in a show of solidarity after Bangladesh’s exit from the T20 World Cup. However, Pakistan had to reverse its boycott decision and agree to play against the Men in Blue.
Indian batsman vs Pakistan spinner
India will be hoping to continue their winning streak against Pakistan and extend the record to 8-1. Pakistan, on the other hand, who are well aware of the Sri Lankan conditions after playing their two matches in the island nation, will look to turn things around.
This will be a battle between the Indian batsmen and the spinners of Pakistan. Pakistan will go full force with its five spinners and the Indian batsmen have struggled against spin in this tournament. India would like to control the game, as the first six overs of the game will be very important for India.
There will be changes in India too as Kuldeep Yadav will reportedly replace Arshdeep Singh in the team and Washington Sundar could come in place of Rinku Singh. Another obvious change will be the return of Abhishek Sharma to the team in place of Sanju Samson.
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