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India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed the message that Gautam Gambhir had given to the team ahead of their much-anticipated clash against Pakistan. There has been a lot of scrutiny towards BCCI ever since the clash between the two arch-rivals got announced. This is due to the fact that political relations between the two countries deteriorated to a new low earlier this year.
It all began with the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April which saw 26 innocent Indian people lose their lives. India replied back to this by launching Operation Sindoor and unleashing attacks on the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Ever since this, many people have been against the idea of India and Pakistan playing a cricket match.
Considering that there is a lot of outside noise coming into the clash, Gambhir advised the players to not focus on things they have no control over and told them to focus solely on their game.
“Our thing is you separate sports and politics. I understand the sentiment, but we are following directive of BCCI and government. Knowing this will happen was the most frustrating part. Gauti’s (head coach Gautam Gambhir) message is to not focus on things not in your control. Message is to focus on cricket," ten Doeschate revealed in the pre-match press-conference.
Ten Doeschate labelled India as 'favourites'
On the other hand, ten Doeschate also expressed confidence in the Indian team and stated that they indeed are the favoruites to win coming into the clash against Pakistan. He also pointed out that the Men in Blue have a good record against the Men in Green in the continental tournament.
"Our record against Pakistan is very good. But it is all about that particular day. But India do start as favourites. The team who does well in the 240 deliveries will win," ten Doeschate stated.
Meanwhile, India come into the match against Pakistan after defeating UAE comprehensively by 9 wickets in their previous game. It is safe to say that the Men in Blue began their Asia Cup campaign on a high and will be looking to continue this form in the upcoming match against their arch-rivals.
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