Players, including Virat Kohli, will feel pressure in India-Pak match: Waqar Younis

Virat Kohli had played down the notion that India cricket team and Pakistan cricket team players will be extra motivated and under pressure as well when the two teams meet in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

While India skipper Virat Kohli tried to play down the high-voltage ICC Champions Trophy 2017 opening clash between India cricket team and Pakistan cricket team in Birmingham on Sunda by suggesting that it is just another game, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said the players will feel the pressure irrespective of what they say in the media.

Virat Kohli believes the Indian cricket team players will treat each ICC Champions Trophy match the same way regardless of who the opponents are. India open their CT 2017 campaign against Pakistan Cricket team on Sunday.(Getty Images)

Waqar Younis felt the pressure will be enormous this time around as the arch-rivals will meet for the first time since their 2015 World Cup encounter at Adelaide Oval.

“The less frequent these India versus Pakistan matches become, the more pressure there is on the players. These matches now come around once in three to four years so everyone is waiting with baited breath for these games. The players on both sides will feel pressure, irrespective of what they say in the media, and whether it’s young Shadab Khan or the experienced Virat Kohli, they will be nervous,” Waqar was quoted as saying by PakPassion website.

The Pakistan bowling legend recalled the pressure he experienced before playing India.

“I recall the matches I played against India. I always felt the pressure. It was hard to sleep the night before. However, that’s where you get tested and you can show your mettle. This is the time and the place to become a hero. It’s a big challenge, but those who stand up to its will come out on top,” he said.

Kohli had quashed the talks that players are extra motivated to play against Pakistan.

“For people watching in the stadium, the game is different as is the atmosphere around the ground. But if you ask players from both sides, it is like any other game. There is no need to motivate players any differently. If you’re playing for India, there is no need for any separate motivation. Yes, you need to be passionate, but there is no need to get emotional,” Kohli had said in his press conference before leaving for England for the ICC Champions Trophy.