Unsung heroes in India vs Pakistan cricket clashes

While Sourav Ganguly’s match-winning 124 overshadowed headlines during India’s record ODI chase against Pakistan in 1998, Hrishikesh Kanitkar etched his name in history with nerves of steel during the final over. 

With India needing 3 runs off 2 balls at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Stadium, Kanitkar smashed Saqlain Mushtaq’s delivery through covers for a boundary under crushing pressure – one of Indian cricket’s most underrated match-winning moments. 

This came after Kanitkar’s crucial partnership with Robin Singh revived India from 214/5 during their pursuit of 315.

Forgotten pace architects

Medium-pacer Subroto Banerjee played a pivotal role in India’s 1990 ODI series win over Pakistan at Sharjah with economical spells. His career faded despite being part of Kapil Dev’s pace battery during transitional years. 

Similarly, Salil Ankola’s promising start included key performances against Pakistani batters during bilateral tournaments before injuries curtailed his international journey. Both remain obscure despite contributing during formative phases of India’s pace-bowling evolution.

Must Read: India vs Pakistan: Cricket rivalry shaped by politics and diplomacy

An act of redemption

Fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad transformed from being hit for 18 runs in one over to dismissing Aamir Sohail memorably during the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal. After Sohail mockingly pointed to the boundary following a four, Prasad clean-bowled him next ball – triggering Pakistan’s collapse from 113/1 to 248/9 . Though Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble took more wickets that day (3 each), Prasad’s psychological blow became an iconic moment rarely attributed as pivotal.