Technically, I was keeping with one hand in 1999: Nayan Mongia

Nayan Mongia, who was a part of Team India in two World Cup matches against Pakistan (1996 and 1999), still remembers the matches vividly. He tells us, “The 1996 gamein Bengaluru was a quarter-final, and we felt the pressure. In fact, I couldn’t sleep the night before the match. No matter where the fans met us, they would just say, “It’s ok if you don’t win the WC. Lekin Pakistan ko harana hai!” I was happy to take the important catch of Inzamam. After we won that game, we were so happy that we were at the pool till 3 am! In 1999, I got injured during the second game and Rahul Dravid kept wickets for a few games. But before the Pakistan match, our coach Anshuman Gaekwad told me that I should try and play if possible, as having a regular wicketkeeper will give more confidence to the bowlers. Technically, I was keeping with one hand and felt overjoyed when I took a stunning catch off Anil Kumble’s bowling to dismiss the dangerous Azhar Mehmood. Our victory also coincided with India winning the Kargil war, and our joy knew no bounds.”

He adds, “In any India vs Pakistan game, every player is nervous and it takes a while for the nerves to settle down. I feel India has the edge in Sunday’s match, but you can never take Pakistan lightly.”