Former Indian southpaw, Sourav Ganguly is confident regarding the Indian squad and backed up the Men in Blue playing against Pakistan ahead of their clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. But also the former batter opted that team India should not hold back while playing in order to achieve favorable results.
The two arch-rivals will have a face-off in their respected second fixture in New York on June 9. Previously, India dominated Pakistan in the T20 World Cup event, having registered 6 wins out of seven games.
India is quite superior- Sourav Ganguly
While having a conversation at an event in Mumbai, Sourav Ganguly acknowledged that Pakistan was a threat in the T20 format but reckoned that India is far superior than the Green squad.
“Our record against Pakistan has been very, very good over a long period of time. In the T20 format, probably Pakistan is more dangerous compared to 50- overs (format). We beat them in Ahmedabad when they came to India and we beat them easily. India is superior and if they play well, if they play freely and I keep saying the word ‘freely’ all the time because (in) the last World Cup in Australia, I don’t think we played freely,” Ganguly stated.
He further added:
“Just put all the cobwebs behind. Don’t worry about winning or losing. Don’t think about winning the World Cup. Just go and play every game.”
India and Pakistan registered their wins in the first two editions of the T20 World Cup in 2008 and 2009, respectively. However, the two teams stumbled in the final stage of the editions, because England got the better of India and Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final and final.
“Hit till you have to defend” – Sourav Ganguly on Team India
Sourav Ganguly assured that team India has the potential to bag the T20 World Cup trophy if they play with freedom and exclude uneasiness.
Even though India has been a pre-tournament favorite in several ICC events, the Men in Blue has failed to register victory for over a decade.
“India have very good chances in the World Cup. India will have to play like a T20 team. There is enormous talent. Play without fear and just keep hitting. That’s why I say everyone is capable of winning it for India and the only way they will do it is (if they) just play with freedom. Play with that extra batsman and hit from the first ball, hit till you have to defend (and) play like the last ball,” Ganguly mentioned.
The Indian team will have their first fixture against Ireland on June 5 in New York before clashing with Pakistan.