With the 13th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup drawing near, former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam reckoned that the Indian spinners would be their key in the competition. The hosts will begin their campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.
Alam lauded team India’s performance in their title-winning campaign in the 2023 Asia Cup. He further reckoned that veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav could be the key weapon for the two-time champions in the marquee event. The 28-year-old spinner has impressed with the ball, picking up 33 wickets in 17 ODIs so far this year and an average of 16.03.
“The way India played in Asia Cup and played the final (decimating Sri Lanka), they look like the team to beat. Their spin attack stands out. Kuldeep is going to play a major role in the tournament. He will test the batters of all teams,” Alam was quoted as saying by India Today.
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The 81-year-old further spoke about Pakistan’s pressure of playing in the World Cup on Indian soil. He also said that the team management should make sure the players focus on the game. Since the upcoming tournament will be Pakistan’s first tour to India, Alam urged Babar Azam’s men to make it a memorable one.
“There will be pressure, for sure. It depends on how team management treats the players to ensure they focus only on cricket. You get four years to prepare for an event like this. You have to do something special so people remember for you a long time. It is a great opportunity for Babar and Co,” the former cricketer concluded.
Pakistan will take on the Netherlands in their campaign opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on october 6. Meanwhile, the high-voltage India-Pakistan match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.
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