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The anticipation surrounding the marquee India vs Pakistan World Cup 2023 encounter was palpable, with throngs of enthusiasts descending upon the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14. Long before the toss, the stadium was abuzz, with the atmosphere outside being nothing short of electric. Adding to the pre-match fervour was Pakistan's Chicago Chacha, marking his presence for the game.
A standout moment prior to the game was the heartening reunion of Virat Kohli with his cricketing hero, Sachin Tendulkar, at the stadium. Their warm exchange by the boundary was a testament to their mutual admiration, captured beautifully in photographs
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As the World Cup's golden ticket holder and ICC's ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar graced the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match. He stood alongside both teams during the national anthems post-toss.
Furthermore, Tendulkar had the honour of presenting the World Cup trophy, positioning it centre-stage for the pre-match ceremony. Notably, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya took a moment to interact with the legendary cricketer, reminiscing about their 2011 World Cup victory.
An energised Virat Kohli was all set for the high-profile match, especially after India's decision to bowl first upon winning the toss. The crowd erupted in support as Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam took centre stage for the toss.
However, the loudest applause was reserved for Shubman Gill, as Rohit Sharma confirmed the young batter's inclusion in the team post his recovery from dengue.
Kohli, having commenced his World Cup journey with a stellar 85 against Australia in Chennai, is on the cusp of surpassing his mentor's ODI record for most centuries. With 47 hundreds to his name, he narrowly missed his 48th during the World Cup opener, where he played a pivotal role in a challenging chase against Australia.
India entered this crucial fixture on the back of victories against Australia and Afghanistan.
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