There is a lot of excitement around the India versus Pakistan clash in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The high-voltage encounter is scheduled to take place on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

With less than 10 days remaining, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has termed the marquee fixture as important as winning the World Cup.

"We have to win the World Cup but this match is important. In terms of expectations, if you ask the common man, he would say you have to win against Pakistan but we also have a World Cup to win. We are definitely favourites, no question about that," Sunil Gavaskar said while speaking in the India Today Conclave.

India and Pakistan haven't played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to political tensions. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

Pakistan last toured India in 2016 for the T20 World Cup and it's a first trip to Indian shores for almost all their players.

Speaking in the same event, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh didn’t filter his words as he called Pakistan a “below-ordinary” team.

"I don't see Pakistan going forward in this tournament. They are a good T20 side but from what I have seen of the Asia Cup and the warm-up matches, they look a below-ordinary side. I don't see India's record changing against Pakistan," Harbhajan said.

For the record, Pakistan have never defeated India in the history of ODI World Cups. The arch-rivals have faced each other seven times, with India emerging victorious on all occasions.

(India Today Inputs)