No matter how much player say that they don't treat the clash of India and Pakistan like a different game, but it is not like any other World Cup match. When it's India vs Pakistan, the emotions fans carry is a mixture of all and not just cricket. The two teams will play against each other for the seventh time in the ICC World Cup.
Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who has been part of the World Cup side in 2011 and 2015, doesn't see Pakistan as a threat in the ongoing tournament. He feels India is superior and can easily defeat the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side who conceded a humiliating defeat against West Indies on Friday.
“I do not think that at this point of time, any of the players will be thinking about Pakistan match because we need to do well in our initial matches and if we will be able to win those matches then I do not think there will be an issue for Pakistan match,” Raina told ANI.
“But in case we lost some the matches then I can say that there will be pressure on India for Pakistan match...but if we will win first three matches then I do not think our World Cup record is going to break.. and Pakistan cannot beat us..,” he added.
Raina is clear about India's chances. He said India will be unstoppable once they go past the first three matches on a positive note.
“We have a good squad for this World Cup with quality players and they are really doing good in all the departments especially in batting and bowling. In this World Cup, we will have to play nine matches and a good start is very important,” he said.
“England have started their campaign they have won against South Africa and if India can win the first three matches then I do not think any team can stop India from playing in the semi-finals,” Raina added.
The Uttar Pradesh senior cricketer looks at Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni after hearing the 'crucial players' for team India. “Virat Kohli is the key player of this World Cup and apart from him Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), I think his role will be crucial for this world cup he has done a lot for Indian cricket and he is the most experienced player of the squad,” he said.
Raina isn't counting Australia in the list of teams who could stop India from winning the World Cup.
“I think if we beat teams like South Africa and England then I do not think any team can stop us to win the world cup,”
Raina, who played a big part in defeating Australia in the World Cup 2011 quarter-finals, feels England have only got stronger with the addition of Jofra Archer.
“In my view, England is very strong team special Archer’s association with team is a big thing and they are doing well in each department they are looking very good on paper and as well as in the ground so I think all matches will be tough,” he said.
“I can see England and India are going to play the final..but West Indies is will be the surprise package of this tournament because they have attacking players who can change the game on their day,” Raina added.
(With ANI Inputs)
