Arch rivals India and Pakistan will be up
against each other for the sixth time in the ICC T20 World Cup being held in
the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed the press
in a virtual pre-match conference and said that the team will have to bring
their ‘A game’ in order to win the tie.

Also Read – ICC T20 World Cup 2021 India vs Pakistan: When and where to watch

Kohli said, “Pakistan are strong, you have
to play your best cricket against them every time. They have players who are
game-changers. We definitely have to bring our A game against Pakistan,”

He reassured his countrymen that India will not be taking the
match lightly in spite of having an unbeaten record against Pakistan.

The biggest concern in the Indian camp is the fitness of star
all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The 28-year-old has not resumed bowling since his
return from injury and although he played for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL,
his form was poor.

Also Read – T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli’s run-scoring affair against Pakistan

However, Pandya’s ability as a power hitter is unquestionable
and he has proved his doubters wrong on countless occasions.

Upon this, Kohli said, “I feel Hardik presently is getting better in terms of
being prepared to bowl two overs for us. Till the time he starts bowling, we
have created a few options for ourselves. What he offers at number 6 as a
batter, we can’t create something like that overnight,”

The Men in Blue will step onto the pitch looking to protect
their unbeaten run against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup.

Also Read – T20 World Cup: Are India and Pakistan favourites owing to good T20I records?

The captain, Virat Kohli, has a history of putting his exemplary batting skills on
display every time India is up against Pakistan.

The match will take
place on October 24 at the Dubai International Stadium. Both sides and the skippers
will be hoping to start their campaign on the right foot with a win.