There is a lot of hype about India vs Pakistan but the quality has not been that good for a long time: Sourav Ganguly

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly provided a straightforward take on the fierce rivalry between team India and Pakistan ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Notably, the BCCI released the eagerly-anticipated schedule of the marquee ODI event which is scheduled to kickstart on October 5 in India.

The arch rivals - India and Pakistan - will cross swords in a high-voltage clash on October 15 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is no secret that fans and the cricketers look forward to the big matches and an India-Pakistan match just increases the excitement ten folds. 

However, former cricketer Ganguly opined on the matches between the two sides in the ICC events and stated that it has become rather dull as the Men in Blue have won one-sided on numerous occasions. Ganguly further acknowledged that team India’s fixtures against the Aussies tend to be a ‘better match’ in the World Cup. 

"There is a lot of hype in this match (India vs Pakistan) but the quality has not been that good for a long time because India kept on winning one-sided. Pakistan probably defeated India for the first time in the T20 World Cup in Dubai. India did not play well in that tournament but according to me, India vs Australia tends to be a better game in the World Cup because the quality is better,” Ganguly told on Star Sports.

Pakistan becomes a good team on flat wickets: Sourav Ganguly

Ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, Ganguly highlighted that the current Pakistan setup led by Babar Azam could prove to be dangerous while playing on flat wickets. Furthermore, he said that the conditions usually suit their batters and bowlers as they understand how to exploit it during the games.

"This Pakistan team is also good and the match will be good. Pakistan becomes a good team on flat wickets because their batters use those conditions well. They have fast bowlers who use the conditions. Wherever there is seam or swing, because their quality of batting has been good in the past, I can't say what will happen going forward, India always used to march ahead. It will always be a big game. The conditions will also be important,” he added.