India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has said that past records are of no use or importance when India and Pakistan play in any format and his words came ahead of the arch-rivals clash in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021.
India and Pakistan will face-off in Dubai on October 24 in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in what is being built up as one of the most exciting matches in the tournament. The last time these two teams played was in the 2019 World Cup in Manchester and India beat Pakistan with ease thanks to a Rohit Sharma century.
India has never lost to Pakistan in the World Cup, with a 7-0 record in ODIs and 5-0 T20Is.
"Whenever we play against any team, the past records don't matter. We always focus on the present, our strategies, strengths, how the conditions are going to be etc. Media creates a bit of hype whereas the dressing room remains quiet. Focus is always on how well we can do as a team on that particular day.
Pakistan players have played quite a bit of cricket here in the UAE so they have an idea. But we also know how to adapt to these conditions as they aren't much different from India. Those who have played the IPL 2021 have an advantage here in the T20 World Cup," Rahane said on Salaam Cricket in Dubai.
"I'm sure India vs Pakistan match will be a good one. I'm obviously backing India to win the match but personally, I believe no team should be taken lightly. And I'm sure the Indian T20 team has as much respect for Pakistan as it has for any other team," he added.
Rahane further asked the Indian fans to back the national team without questioning the squad selection or which playing XI is picked.
"Questions over team selection will always be there. But I feel we should back our squad because all of them are quality players. If we show them our support from here in India then their morale will be boosted," Rahane said.
(India Today inputs)
