While the Asia Cup 2023 got underway on August 30 with the Pakistan versus Nepal clash in Multan, India will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, all-rounder Hardik Pandya said while there is a lot of buzz around the India-Pakistan encounter, they are only looking at it as any other game.
Highlighting the significance of the Asia Cup, Hardik further stated that the continental event will check the character and personality of the Indian team ahead of the all-important ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at home.
"A lot of emotions are attached by fans. For us, it is about playing a good team, playing a match against a very good side who has done very well in the recent past. Couple of finals they’ve played and the tension between us is always there.
“So for me, we try to keep the outside noise outside, and we focus on how we can play good cricket. At the end of the day, we are cricketers. We can’t get too emotional about it because then certain decisions can be reckless, which I don’t believe in.
"But, at the same point of time, it’s a mega event. It’s an event which I’ve seen how it checks your character, checks your personality, and at the same point in time, you can see in how deep waters you can swim. So for me, all these factors excite me a lot and yeah, I can’t wait," said Pandya to Star Sports.
Furthermore, Hardik Pandya opened up on his approach to ODIs, stressing the need for adaptability in the 50-over format.
"It’s just that you have a little more time than what you think. I believe in T20 as well, you have more time than you think, but at the same time, ODI is a much longer game. It is a game where you have to adapt, you have to get used to the conditions because the game is going on for 50 overs, and to play, to win against a good side, you have to play a good 100 overs of cricket.”
Talking about his preparation in the ODI format, Pandya added: “So as a cricketer, for me, my mindset only changes for the fact that I start preparing according to how the ODI format demands, and if the preparation is proper, then I just go out there and read the situation. Because half of the time the situation dictates itself, so you don’t have to use rocket science, you’ve to just watch the game, see, try to understand what’s happening and maybe take a smarter call."
India will take on Nepal in their second group match of the Asia Cup 2023 in Pallekele on September 4. The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super Fours, where they will play three more games before the final in Colombo on September 17.
(With IANS Inputs)
