Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden says that the rivalry between India and Pakistan is unmatched by many in the sport as the two arch-rivals get ready to clash in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
All eyes of the sporting fraternity will be on the blockbuster clash in Dubai on October 24 when Virat Kohli's team locks horns with Babar Azam's side. India has never lost to Pakistan in the World Cup, with a 7-0 record in ODIs and 5-0 T20Is.
“Throughout various elements of the game that I have been a part of, nothing ever matches the rivalry between India and Pakistan. So yes, there is an obvious pressure as there is an obvious pressure if you are playing against England if you are an Australian.
"The pressure though is only as much as you allow it to be. Closely I have been following Indian cricket for some time," Hayden told the media.
Hayden also observed that having followed Indian cricket very closely over the years, he believed that KL Rahul and Rishab Pant pose the biggest threat to Pakistan in the match.
“More or less I have watched KL Rahul grow and he is a major threat to Pakistan. I have watched him grow up as a boy. I have seen his struggles and his dominance in shorter formats.
"I have seen someone like Rishabh Pant, his brash nature and beautiful vision for the game, how he has destroyed bowling attacks because he has got the opportunity because he sees it that way," he added.
He further termed Babar Azam, Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman as key players for Pakistan. Hayden said his main purpose was to bring calmness, control and tell the players to remain very present in play because World Cups are challenging things.
On Babar Azam, he said: "There will be additional pressure on him as captain and batsman because he will be targeted and everyone will be wanting to like they say, put him in their pocket. Babar has command and presence and he needs to fulfil that role in a batting sense and captain."
"I have learnt for whatever reason you are always under pressure, you don't need to create additional pressure to what the game demands."
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