Ravichandran Ashwin feels Indians are down after losing the first match, but not out. He says if there is one team good at bouncing back, it’s India. They have to show it, given the Pakistan coach’s remark that the pressure is on India.
“If there’s an international team that can put it behind and go forward, then it’s us. We have done it in the past. While I can’t explain why, I think we’ve the wherewithal to come back. That’s what we’re looking forward to,” said the off-spinner a day before the do or die match against Pakistan.
“I find it amusing when most of the time we say it’s a simple game and we have to keep it simple. Obviously, it’s not. It’s a psychological game and you’ve to beat the psychological odds. More often than not, unless you are exceptionally talented, you find yourself in a position where you are losing the psychological battle.”
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said they have never beaten India in a World Cup, but history can change. “We’re confident, a little more this time, because they can go out of the tournament if they lose. They’ll be under a lot of pressure. We won the last match, so there are things going in our favour. Our history hasn’t been good but history can always be changed.”
Waqar felt the Nagpur defeat will play in the minds of the Indians. “They must be worried that they can go out. That’s a huge worry, particularly in your own country in a big tournament. I’m sure they’re feeling the heat. It’s an added pressure on them, not us. And since we played well in our last match in Kolkata, the monkey is off our backs.”
The former fast bowler did not want to compare the attacks. “I don’t want to give any advantage to any team. (Jasprit) Bumrah bowled nicely in the Asia Cup, although he’s very young. (Ashish) Nehra is doing well. They’re balanced sides, both of them. We probably take a little bit of edge with pace when it comes to the speed of the ball. Our bowlers are bowling at 145-150 clicks. That will be an added pressure on Indian batsmen. I wouldn’t say India is a bad batting side or bowling side. But yeah, I’m going to look at my own team’s strength and not worry about India’s weakness.”