An India-Pakistan game isn't like 'just another game'. What makes the clash between these two is the involvement of the fans of both the countries when they come up against each other. Recalling a 'dull' India vs Pakistan game isn't possible, because there wasn't any.
Former Pakistan star batsman Younis Khan said the high-pressure game between these two can make or break a player.
A good performance in the contest between two can turn things for a player, and a poor performance can end things soon. Younis took the example of former India skipper MS Dhoni, who got a lift in his career after his maiden ODI century against Pakistan in 2005.
"Never thought MS Dhoni would do what he did. The way he scored 148 in Vizag was amazing. Indian cricket changed again. Then Mahi became captain a few years later - A player like Dada's career was also broken. Under him, India started learning to win overseas. Players' careers are made and broken during India-Pakistan series," Younis said.
Younis said that when the result goes against them even family members start ignoring them sometimes. "The funny thing was we would win in India and India would win in Pakistan. Even our families would not talk to us - they would ask why did you lose to India?"
The highest run scorer for Pakistan in Test, Younis thinks India and Pakistan should play cricket together on regular basis.
"India-Pakistan series should be regular and organized, not like how it happens at the moment. These days players have more pressure because of the rarity of the occasion. We all want India to come to Pakistan to play. In 2004, India came to play and you guys were there and you all got a warm welcome. Everyone wants India-Pakistan cricket to be played in a better manner so that the pressure also reduces," Younis said.
After Dhoni, the 40-year-old named Virender Sehwag as an outstanding performer against them.
"Whenever Sehwag played against us, he would score runs. In the 2003 World Cup, he attacked us, pushed us on the backfoot and we could not come back. Every time he played against Pakistan, Sehwag would score," Younis added.
