Indians are the firm favourites against Pakistan, claims Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian legend, renowned television commentator and analyst, Sunil Gavaskar affirmed that Kohli and his men would start off as favourites ahead of the much-hyped clash between the two Asian giants in the ICC Champions Trophy on June 4.

Sunil Gavaskar stressed on the fact that Pakistan’s batting lineup would miss the services of their veteran Misbah-ul-Haq, as he recently retired from all forms of the game after 3rd Test match between Pakistan and West Indies. Without Misbah, Gavaskar believes that Pakistan’s batting lineup appears inexperienced.

The third highest run-getter in Tests later mentioned that Indians are in prime form especially after the Indian Premier League which concluded ten days back and the players are not short of any match practice.

“This is a slightly inexperienced Pakistan side without Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq. So, India in my view start favourites. India start as huge favourites. Huge because the Indians have just come off a very successful IPL. All their batsmen and bowlers are in match practice. All might not be in the best of form, but they are all in match practice” commented Sunil Gavaskar in an interview with News18.

Pathan backs Gavaskar’s Claims

Former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan, found an analogy with the Indo-Pak clash at the Champions Trophy of 2013 and inferred that Indians have a superior team than their neighbours.

“Even during the 2013 Champions Trophy, the Indian team was a far better side and this time around, too, we have a complete team which is much better than the Pakistanis at the moment. I am pretty confident that India will go in as the favourites and come out with flying colours,” said the all-rounder from Baroda.

When asked about the essence of the head to head records of Indo-Pak clashes, Irfan Pathan claimed that numbers do not matter in cricket. “Such advantages or disadvantages get an edge only to a certain extent. But it all boils down to how you tackle the situation during the match.” said Pathan.

India is expected to top Group B which contains heavyweights such as South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. England face Bangladesh in the opening match of the multi-lateral tournament tomorrow at Kennington Oval, London.