Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya talked about the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 clash against Pakistan. According to him, it’s an event that Tests the character and personality of the players as they will be playing against a team that has done very well in the recent past. 

The Asia Cup 2023 kick-started with the blockbuster clash between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan. But all the spotlight is on the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan. The much-anticipated game between two arch-rivals will take place on 2nd September in Kandy. 

Since the last few years, India and Pakistan have engaged in some real intense battles and both teams have left no stone unturned in downplaying the opposition. This time around we might see them playing against each other three times in the Asia Cup 2023. 

For India, Hardik Pandya will be one of the key players as he has always stepped up when it comes to big games. The all-rounder has a great record against Pakistan and has always performed against them with both bat as well as ball. 

Ahead of the game, Hardik Pandya said although there are a lot of factors and emotions attached to the game, they try to keep the outside noise outside and focus on how they can perform. 

Hardik Pandya highlighted how they need to play good cricket in 100 overs to win the game as the opposition is a quality team. Speaking to Star Sports, he elaborated: 

“It’s an event which I’ve seen how it checks your character and personality, and at the same point in time, you can see in how deep waters you can swim. So, for me, all these factors excite me a lot. A lot of emotions are attached by fans. For us, it is about playing a good team, playing a match against a very good side who has done very well in the recent past. 

“We try to keep the outside noise outside and focus on how we can play good cricket. We can’t get too emotional about it because then, certain decisions can be reckless, which I don’t believe in. But, at the same point in time, it’s a mega event. It’s just that you have a little more time than what you think. It is a game where you have to adapt, you have to get used to the conditions because the game is going on for 50 overs, and to play, to win against a good side, you have to play a good 100 overs of cricket.” 

IND vs PAK: I start preparing according to how the ODI format demands – Hardik Pandya 

Hardik Pandya further went on to say that he prepares himself according to how the format demands and then he reads the situation. He added. 

“As a cricketer, for me, my mindset only changes for the fact that I start preparing according to how the ODI format demands, and if the preparation is proper, then I just go out there and read the situation.” 

“Half of the time, the situation dictates itself, so you don’t have to use rocket science. You’ve to just watch the game, see, try to understand what’s happening, and maybe take a smarter call,” he signed off. 

India team reached Sri Lanka on Wednesday (30th August). They will now be gearing up for the game against Pakistan.