New Delhi, India

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has hyped the Indian Team ahead of the showdown clash at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (June 9), saying they hold the advantage over the Men in Green. While mentioning everyone’s attention would be on this high-octane clash, Latif pointed out that Pakistan captain Babar Azam will be under utmost pressure, more so for going up against India than performing well in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup.

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Latif said Babar is far from learning the art of absorbing pressure in such games, suggesting he must take a few tips from Indian veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He added Babar is ahead of his contemporaries as a batter but still has a long way to go as a leader.

"...the focus is on the game on June 9 against India. Babar (Pakistan captain) will be under a lot of pressure because of the game against India rather than performing in the World Cup," Latif said in a chat with PTI. 

"But he has to learn to carry pressure; he should learn that from Virat and Rohit. They know how to carry the game. As a batter, Babar is one of the best, but as a captain and leader, there's a lot that he needs to learn," the former Pakistan keeper-batter further said.

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India won their first game of the tournament against Ireland by eight wickets without their x-factor Kuldeep Yadav, probably saving him for the marquee clash against Pakistan. Latif thinks along the same lines, considering the pitches on offer in the USA, mainly in New York, would assist Kuldeep's style of bowling.

"Kuldeep Yadav is that one player who, if he remains fit for India throughout the World Cup, can cause trouble for batters. He is India's key bowler and also a key to success. Given the current form and stats, definitely, India have an advantage ahead of June 9," he said.

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Pakistan Team doesn’t look prepared

Unlike how up and ready they looked in the previous two editions (in 2021 and 2022), Pakistan is not prepared enough for this edition, and Latif feels the reason behind that is the damage they suffered with the results at last year’s 50-over World Cup.

“The Pakistan team plays well in the ICC tournaments, but the team doesn't look as prepared as they were in 2021 and 2022. The damage happened after the last ODI World Cup with changes in captaincy, the selection committee and players,” Latif explained. 

“The team doesn't know who their openers will be, and what they have tried has failed miserably,” Latif added.

(With inputs from PTI)