T20 World Cup: Added pressure on Indian skipper Virat Kohli, claims ex-Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir – Here’s why

Team India skipper Virat Kohli talking about the Pakistan game during the first captains’ conference before the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 said that it’s ‘just another match’ while admitting that there is hype around amongst the fans and those watching while talking about the demand for tickets and the high rates.

However, former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir suggested that Virat Kohli downplayed the pressure as it is a high-voltage contest and players are under pressure whether they admit it or not.

Since the bilaterals have been stopped between the two nations, the matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events and in Asia Cup are the most anticipated contests. Since the two sides will be locking horns against each other after a gap of more than two years, it is considered the final before the final.

Speaking to Geo Tv, Tanvir said, “It’s a big match. India vs Pakistan is always a high-voltage game which adds to the hype of the tournament. There’s definitely pressure on the players, whether they admit it or not — both, as an individual and as a team.

“There’s a burden of expectations and India, on paper, are a better team and so they will have that added pressure. Virat Kohli, with his statements in the press conference, is trying to distract himself from that pressure but he must be feeling it nonetheless,” he added.

On the eve of the match, in the press conference, skipper Virat Kohli said that the team is taking it as just any other game while saying that the match-up between the two great nations is ultra-special for fans.