NEWS
Follow UsIndia are set to commence their 2021 T20 World Cup campaign against their arch-rivals Pakistan and Gautam Gambhir believes Virat Kohli and Co. are ‘far more superior’ to Babar Azam's men. The two teams will come face to face at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24.
"Expectations are going to be really high from Pakistan as well, and at the moment, if you see, India are far more superior to Pakistan," the former India batsman said on Star Sport’s Game Plan.
"Yes, in a T20 format, anyone can beat anyone because it is a very individual kind of format, and we should not take any team for granted. For example, you should not take Afghanistan for granted.
"I have always been a believer that if you want to talk about one team that is going to be a real underdog in this tournament, that must be Afghanistan. People like Rashid Khan can create upsets. It’s the same with Pakistan. But, yes, there will be pressure on Pakistan."
India are placed in Group 2 along with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan and two other qualifying nations. Meanwhile, South Africa, Australia, West Indies, England and two other teams from the qualifiers are in Group 1.
"Group 1 is the group of death, and that’s actually the real group. You’ve got four teams locked in and playing what, on day one of the T20 World Cup, that’s going to be a very exciting Saturday," said Gambhir.
"West Indies have always been very unpredictable with the kind of firepower they’ve got - they can go on to win the third time as well. England has also got the firepower; they have probably got the most consistent white-ball team over the last couple of years – after winning the 50-over World Cup.
"Australia has literally gone off the radar, probably because a lot of main players are missing, but then again, I think they can be very dangerous on that particular day."