Former Indian opening batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu feels a victory against Pakistan is akin to winning the World Cup. The well-known analyst said that Indians are fine with losing to everybody but Pakistan, particularly in World Cups.
In a highly anticipated clash India and Pakistan are poised to battle for the ninth time in T20 World Cups on June 9 in New York. Boasting a significant 71 lead the Men in Blue are strongly favored to continue their supremacy over their archrivals come Monday.
Speaking to India Today, Sidhu saw how passionately people in India react in the event of Pakistan’s defeat, which they consider unacceptable.
“No one accepts defeat here. It’s the culture of retribution. Defeat is not bitter if you swallow it, but here no one wants to accept the defeat. You lose from anyone, you should not lose against Pakistan. If you win against Pakistan, you have won a World Cup. People equate. There is always backlash and retribution over loss. No one wants to lose here. However, now things have changed a bit, as the teams do not get to play against each other quite often.”
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Pakistan overcame their unlucky streak of losing World Cups to India in the 2021 edition in the UAE. The unbroken 152-run opening partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan condemned India to a ten-wicket defeat.
“There is no batting for the Pakistan side” – Navjot Singh Sidhu
Based on Pakistan’s present form, Sidhu feels they are no match for India. He added:
“On one side there is ascendency and on the other end there is descendency. You lost against England. You are a Test-playing nation, and you lose against the USA. There is no batting for the Pakistan side. You can not rely on an individual. Meanwhile, India has a well-balanced side in the T20 World Cup.”
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Rohit Sharma and his team overcame Ireland by eight wickets to begin their campaign in New York.