'Nothing will impact, we will win' - Gautam Gambhir on political tensions before India-Pakistan clash

India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns with each other for their opening fixture of the T20 World Cup 2021. The last time the two teams faced each other was in the 2019 World Cup. However, ahead of the high-profile clash the former India cricketer and commentator Gautam Gambhir has pinned hopes on India to emerge triumphant against Pakistan.

India has had a dominating record against the Men in Green in the ICC events. The team has won on seven occasions in the 50 over World Cup whereas five times in the T20 World cup against Pakistan. The teams do not face each other in bilateral series owing to the political tensions between the two nations.

Gambhir, however, feels that India is a strong side and that they will secure victory against the Babar Azam-led side. When asked if the political pressure will impact the match, the former cricketer said that nothing will affect the performance of the team.

India will play well and will win: Gautam Gambhir

“My best wishes are with the team. They have performed well till now. They will surely win. I have full confidence in them. The team is doing great. Nothing will impact their performance. The team will play well and will win,” Gambhir said as quoted by Times Now.

Pakistan has played a lot of cricket in the UAE. The team is, however, well-versed with the playing conditions. This is expected to provide them an edge over the opposition. Thus, certain statements have been coming from the side on how Pakistan are a better side as compared to India. Though, Gambhir backed the potential of team India and asserted that the team can dominate any opposition.

“Pakistan always says like this. If India plays with the same potential then we can win over any country,” Gambhir added.

Recently, the Indian skipper Virat Kohli stated that Pakistan is a strong side and India will have to put their ‘A’ game to the fore. He said, “Pakistan is 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,” Kohli said in the pre-match virtual press conference.