India vs Pakistan: Indian captain Rohit Sharma believes having a regular “IND vs PAK test series” would be a fantastic thing for test cricket. Rohit’s views on holding a test series between India and Pakistan came in the recent podcast named “Club Prairie Fire.”
As things stand currently, India and Pakistan just take on each other in major ICC tournaments. The two have not been against each other in the bilateral setups since more than a decade ago. The last time India and Pakistan crossed swords (ODIs) was way back in 2012-13 when Pakistan led by Misbah ul Haq toured India.
However, cricket is not restricted between the two teams as they routinely face each other in the ICC tournaments. The most recent (India vs Pakistan) one being in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Rohit Sharma, during the podcast, which is co-hosted by Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, said Pakistan are a quality side and it would be fantastic to play them.
“I totally believe that! They [Pakistan] are a good team,” said Rohit Sharma as Michael Vaughan enquired, “Don’t you think India playing Pakistan regularly will be fantastic for Test cricket?”
“They have got a superb bowling line-up. I think it would be a good contest [India vs Pakistan], especially if you play in overseas conditions. That would be awesome,” the Indian captain added.
“Last test match played between India and Pakistan was way back I think in 2006 or 2008 (2007), where Wasim Jaffar got a double hundred in Kolkata,” he added.
When Pakistan last toured India for a test series in 2007, they got a beating by a scoreline of 1-0 in a three-match series at the hands of Anil Kumble-led Indian lineup.
When enquired whether he would like to see India having a regular test series with Pakistan, Rohit Sharma replied, “Yeah, I would love to.”
Interestingly, Rohit Sharma is the first prominent cricketer who has openly admitted to having bilateral engagements. The others have dodged the question terming it a decision of the government.
“At the end of the day, we want to be in a contest and I think it will be a great contest between the two sides. We anyway play them in ICC trophies, so it doesn’t really matter. It’s just pure cricket that I’m looking at. I’m not interested in anything else. It’s pure cricket, the game between bat and ball. It’ll be a great contest.”
Meanwhile, Team India is set to play against Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 as well. The two sides will lock horns on June 9 in New York, which will be the 19th fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and the USA.
ALSO READ: IPL 2024: CSK’s Star Player Ruled out of TATA IPL 2024 due to Injury, Replacement Announced
Keywords Used: India vs Pakistan, IND vs PAK