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The onus will be on batting maestro Virat Kohli to tackle the Pakistan pace troika Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the marquee clash. The Indian batters struggled miserably against the Pakistan pacers in their group-stage clash. Kohli, himself was dismissed for just 4 by Shaheen.
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The Indian top-order batters have had issues with Afridi’s nip-backers and the awkward angles that he often creates and it has got everything to do with unfamiliarity even if you have watched thousands of his bowling videos.
In the previous match, India were four down for just 66 as Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan came to the team’s rescue. The duo shared a crucial 138-run stand for the fifth wicket and helped India post a fighting total.
Gill, who was dismissed for 10 in the group stage clash, said that he was also banking on the left-arm throw-down specialist Nuwan Seneviratne to dish out an improved show against Afridi, and in general against Pakistan quicks.
“Definitely (training has helped). He (Nuwan) has been travelling with us for the last 7-8 years. It is nice to have that variation. We have that right-arm specialist (Raghu), the side-arm specialist (Dayannd Garani) and the left-arm specialist. It does help in any conditions that you play,” said Gill.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam shed light on the preparations and team combination and also said that all players are confident of winning the match against India.
“We aren’t frustrated about the weather because it is not in our control. The forecast said it will rain all four days, but the way the sun is shining right now suggests otherwise. We are trying to utilise all the days we get.
“We aren’t stuck on anything or confused about the combination. I am clear on it and so is the management. We know what combination to choose according to the situation. Every player is confident in their role, focused on winning and staying united as a team.”