'Get Kohli, Rohit out early and India will be under pressure' - Umar Gul's advice for Pakistan ahead of T20 WC 2021

Former pacer Umar Gul reckons that if Pakistan could manage to dismiss India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma early in their T20 World Cup 2021 encounter, they would certainly be able to edge over their arch-rivals. Both India and Pakistan will kickstart their campaign facing each other on October 24.

Notably, India has an impeccable record against Pakistan in ICC events. They lead the head-to-head 12-0, with seven wins in ODI World Cups and five in the T20 World Cup. However, India lost the Champions Trophy final 2017 against Pakistan by a whopping 180 runs.

Owing to the political tensions between the two nations, India-Pakistan has been now reduced to just an ICC event rivalry, with these two teams set to face each other for the first time after the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, when India won a rain-marred contest by 89 runs.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the main players for India: Umar Gul

“India have worked really hard on their team and realistically, they are very strong. The IPL has benefitted them and given them several players. If you have to look at their batting, then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the main players. They are a part of India’s top order. Get them out and India will be under pressure. If in the Powerplay, Pakistan can dismiss 2-3 of their top order batsmen, then it will be tough for the rest of the batsmen,” Gul told Cricket Pakistan.

Gul further opened up on the criticism around the selection choices, and stated that this is the time for the nation to support the players instead of demoralizing them.

“No doubt that the [T20 World Cup] squad has been criticised a lot since it was announced. I think we should criticise the squad but don’t mention the names of players because our cricket is going through a difficult phase after the cancellation of New Zealand and England’s tours of Pakistan. It’s time to back the players rather than demoralise them,” said Gul.

“Our team has the potential to qualify for the final four, especially because the matches are being played in UAE as the conditions will suit us [Pakistan],” he said.