India-Pakistan Clash: High Stakes and Seasoned Rivalry Renewed

According to former India head coach Ravi Shastri, experienced leader Rohit Sharma, who is familiar with the dynamics of Indo-Pak cricket matches, concedes that Pakistan, headed by Babar Azam, won't be underrated since they have narrowed the gap in recent years.

India and Pakistan will play one other in a keenly awaited one-day international at the Asia Cup for the first time in four years.

Shastri gave his opinion in the following words: "I would say India start as favorites. Their best group of players since 2011 is this one. And an experienced skipper who is more familiar with the area than others.

"Having said that, Pakistan has closed the gap," he said. When comparing the man-to-man and team strengths seven to eight years ago, there was a disparity. Pakistan, though, has focused it. You have to be at the top of your game because they are a really talented team.

Shastri stressed the need of not allowing the hype to alter the players' psyche despite India's domination against Pakistan over the last 20 years.

"That's what's crucial," Shastri said, "staying cool and seeing it as simply another game and not over-hyping it in your thoughts. Your game must be exactly the same as any other game. But because of that underlying strain, the psychologically strong people usually succeed.

Shastri said that psychologically tough people may regain their competitive edge when it means most, even if they had gone through a bad stretch before the game, in reference to Virat Kohli's outstanding efforts against Pakistan.

"And never go by form before an India-Pakistan game because the hard-headed, mentally tough guys might not have done much six months ago, but come the India-Pakistan game, they will come (to the fore)," he remarked. They are aware of the significance of the game and the potential heights to which success may propel them. Their motivation will be increased.

In addition, Shastri highlighted Babar Azam's impressive ODI conversion rate, praising his 19 hundreds from 104 games.

Another piece of advice came from former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who advised Rohit Sharma to take Shaheen Afridi's opening three overs seriously to prevent a rematch with him at the UAE T20 World Cup in 2021. Afridi's scorching yorker in the match resulted in Rohit being removed for a first-ball duck, which contributed to India's 10-wicket loss.

You need to be careful while dealing with Shaheen Afridi, Hayden said. Think back to the most recent (T20) World Cup. Early wickets were taken by Shaheen. So proceed with a little care while dealing with Shaheen Afridi after the ball he bowled to Rohit Sharma that we won't soon forget. Look to complete those first three overs if it's swinging.