Fans cannot keep calm ahead of the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2022. Both the teams are busy in the practice session ahead of the mega clash.
Sunday’s clash in Dubai will see the resumption of the greatest rivalry in the world of cricket.
During the practice session, two legends batting legends - Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Pakistan captain Babar Azam - got a chance to chit-chat. The two cricket legends were spotted having a candid conversation.
The candid video between Rohit and Babar was shared by Pakistan’s Cricket Board’s official Twitter handle.
The Indian skipper can be heard telling Babar Azam that he should get married. Rohit Sharma says, 'Bhai, shaadi kar lo (brother, get married)' to which Babar replies 'nhi, abhi nhi (no, not now)'.
Moreover, speaking about meeting Pakistani fans, Rohit said it is a normal thing for them though it might be unusual for media. “I said hii to them as for us they are all cricket fans. Media makes the hype, but we play the game only,” he said.
Talking about strategy, Rohit Sharma said his team won’t be borrowing the burden of happenings in the past and that every match, as well as a tournament, is a fresh start.
On the other hand, talismanic India batter Virat Kohli recalled his 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 edition at Mirpur.
"It (Asia Cup) has been a very special tournament personally for me. The first Asia Cup I was part of was in 2010, we won the final against Sri Lanka. Then in 2012 we couldn't win as well as in 2014, but in 2016 we ended up winning; it was 20-20 after a very long time so Asia Cup for me always has been very memorable and yes, the 183 (against Pakistan) definitely stands out for me personally because that was kind of a revelation for me," Kohli said.
Kohli also revealed how he didn't touch the bat for a month in his one-and-a-half break from the game.
Kohli also acknowledged that although he is a very mentally strong person, he was convinced during his time of reflecting during the break that he had been faking his high intensity during his period of a rough patch with the bat, which has resulted in him not scoring an international century since November 2019.
The Sunday clash will be their first meeting since the T20 World Cup last year where the Babar Azam-led team upset India by winning the game by 10 wickets on the global stage last year, at the same venue where their upcoming match is scheduled -- the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.