There is a lot of buzz around the India versus Pakistan World Cup 2023 encounter, slated to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday (October 14).
Ahead of the all-important fixture, star batter Virat Kohli recalled the electric atmosphere during the T20 World Cup match between the two arch-rivals at MCG last year.
Kohli had pulled off a victory for India from the jaws of defeat in that game against Pakistan, witnessed by over 90,000 spectators.
Chasing 160 to win, the Men in Blue were in dire straits at 31/4 after 6.1 overs. Amid the pressure situation, Kohli rose to the occasion as he smashed 82* off 53 balls and shared a 113-run stand with Hardik Pandya (40 off 37 balls) to script India’s nail-biting four-wicket victory.
"The lead-up to games like this is what makes it so special. The buzz in the hotel. The buzz in Melbourne in general and outside the stadium was amazing, and the moment I stepped onto the field, I felt that energy in the stadium," Kohli said while speaking in an ICC video.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya also expressed his excitement for the highly-anticipated match at the venue, which is likely to draw a capacity crowd of 132,000.
"Definitely on the 14th of this month, it will top that, you know. 110,000 people cheering. I can't wait, it's going to be a very exciting time," Hardik added.
India head coach Rahul Dravid acknowledged the significance of experiencing the environment of this high-octane clash while adding that he has been privileged to be part of several India-Pakistan matches.
"It is going to be great to just experience that environment, experience the atmosphere that is going to be there at an India-Pakistan game in India, in Ahmedabad. The game is probably one of the most incredible environments that I have been privileged to be a part of," said Dravid.
It is worth noting here that both teams are coming into this marquee fixture by winning their first two World Cup matches.
While the Men in Blue registered comprehensive wins over Australia and Afghanistan in Chennai and Delhi respectively, the Men in Green defeated Netherlands and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad.
