Lack of dew makes chasing tricky: Shubman Gill

DUBAI: Given the consistency with which India have beaten Pakistan in multinational tournaments in recent times, can we expect anything different this time? Is this cricketing contest even worth the hype it generates?

India beat Pakistan in their group-stage matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad and the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York. India's Shubman Gill, however, still feel there's plenty to play for in this traditionally big-ticket game.

India's vice-captain brushed aside any concerns about the rivalry losing its charm due to recent one-sided contests in favour of India. "India-Pakistan matches have a long history. It's an exciting contest when both these teams play. Everyone enjoys watching it. If so many people are happy to watch the match, then who are we to say that it is underhyped or overhyped? We go there to play cricket. Our effort is to represent the country and to win," Gill said here on Saturday.

Gill was clear that India were not underestimating Pakistan despite their poor start to the campaign. "By no means are we going to take them as a lesser side. It's important for us to stay switched on and bring our 'A' game," said Gill.

Dew has played a big role in Dubai in the past but it won't this time around, said Gill. "In the last match, dew was not there. When dew is not there, it is not that easy to bat under lights and it's not that easy to rotate strike as well. Whoever does well in the middle overs has a better chance of winning. With lack of dew, toss too doesn't play a big role. In any big match, if we don't get dew then the team that is batting later will have more pressure. The team that handles the pressure better will win," said Gill.

Gill stressed that his recent run of good form - his century in the Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh came on the back of a 259-run tally in three ODIs against England - has nothing to do with his elevation to the ODI vice-captaincy. "I don't think vice-captaincy has changed anything. When I'm batting out there, I'm only a batsman because that's what brings the best out of me."

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