"I believe India will do it again in the Champions Trophy in Birmingham on June 4" : Sourav Ganguly

[MenInG]

"I believe India will do it again in the Champions Trophy in Birmingham on June 4" : Sourav Ganguly

http://www.hindustantimes.com/crick...rav-ganguly/story-tOvJnf70Fgq95WqsXzP2gI.html

Virat Kohli’s Team India face a stern test in their defence of the ICC Champions Trophy as they clash against archrivals Pakistan in their opening encounter on June 4 at Edgbaston.

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is confident India will once again emerge triumphant over Pakistan.

(Read | ICC Champions Trophy: Manish Pandey in Indian cricket team; Rohit Sharma returns)

History has been in India’s favour with the Men in Blue enjoying a 11-0 record against Pakistan in World Cups — 50 overs and T20 formats.

In the Champions Trophy though, Pakistan have a slightly better record with a 2-1 win-loss ratio against India.

Ganguly is confident India will again dominate Pakistan in their Champions Trophy encounter. “India will beat Pakistan again in Champions Trophy,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by India Today.

“In the last eight to 10 years there has been a massive difference in the quality between India and Pakistan and that has been one of the major reasons why India have continued to dominate Pakistan (in ICC events). I believe India will do it again in the Champions Trophy in Birmingham on June 4,” Ganguly added.

However, Pakistan’s chief selector Inzamam-ul Haq is optimistic that Pakistan led by Sarfraz Ahmed would do well this time.

“We don’t have a great record against India in major events but every day is a new day and I am sure the players will perform well in the first match. The June 4 game is very important for us, not only because it is against India, but also because it will go a long way in helping us qualify for the semi-finals. Our team is quite balanced and has a nice blend of youthful exuberance and experience,” Inzamam was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.


Ganguly felt the reason India have dominated Pakistan in ICC events is because of the quality of players.

“In early part of the 90s and even in early 2000s, it is just that India played better than Pakistan in world tournaments because there was not much difference between the two sides.

The Pakistan team was a fantastic unit then with the likes of Wasim (Akram), Waqar (Younis), Inzamam (ul-Haq), Saeed Anwar, Javed Miandad and Salim Malik.

“But 2005 onwards, the Pakistan team has not been the same as it used to be. They have lost to India on quality, they have lost to India on ability and somehow India have reacted to big match pressure much better than Pakistan.

“The technique and quality of Indian players have been better than Pakistan’s. You see, in Pakistan there is rare brilliance but every time they have been under pressure, they have tried to fight or hit their way out of pressure, which has not worked for them. But every time you see India under pressure, they are a team, which would seem have soaked in the pressure.

“They have batted and played difficult situations well and then have dominated,” said Ganguly.

 

[Major]

Last time it was all ravindra jadeja.

 

[idrizzy]

....

History has been in India’s favour with the Men in Blue enjoying a 11-0 record against Pakistan in World Cups — 50 overs and T20 formats.

In the Champions Trophy though, Pakistan have a slightly better record with a 2-1 win-loss ratio against India.

I think slighty is an understatement. I think.

 

[SM1989]

Ofcourse India will win. No point even watching the match.

 

[Hawkeye]

CT is not the same as World Cups.

We've given a whipping to Ind boys in Champion Trophy(ies).

 

[Hitman]

Why to boast beforehand. It's always wise to celebrate after the victory. Celebrating before the victory invites nothing but embarrassment.

 

[sshakir411]

Obviously no Indian newspaper or fan can speak about a game with Pakistan without bringing up 11-0..like it has any relevance to CT. I wonder why they choose to ignore their overall record against Pakistan..if anything a historical approach should include more than WC and will provide a true representation of the might of the Indian team.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

CT is not the same as World Cups.

We've given a whipping to Ind boys in Champion Trophy(ies).

You beat us twice and we beat you once in CT. How's that a whipping? Whipping is 11-0 in World Cups

 

[Sherlock]

They'll smash Pakistan, and I'm not even joking.

India has a very good LOI side, they have plans and they execute them.

Pakistan are a liability and cannot execute something as simple as where to bowl, or how to bat and where to get simple singles from.

I've said it before but the only chance Pakistan has of winning is if India bat 1st, but even then Pakistan's chasing abilities are non-existent.

Birmingham is also going through some weird weather so maybe that could help. But other than that I wouldn't be blowing my vuvuzela so loud, and annoyingly.

 

[Hawkeye]

You beat us twice and we beat you once in CT. How's that a whipping? Whipping is 11-0 in World Cups

Eh? Whipping is 70-30 or something like that . It's as beautiful as a random pper using stats selectively to praise their favorite player.

 

[czar]

Deep down Pak fans are hoping against hope for a victory against India, but outside they are pretending to have conceded defeat already.

 

[Rinnegan Sasuke]

It'll be a massacre, not a one that I'll enjoy.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Deep down Pak fans are hoping against hope for a victory against India, but outside they are pretending to have conceded defeat already.

This is similar to some of our indian fans who were hoping for a CT boycott by BCCI from outside but deep down they wanted indian team to play in CT at any cost.

 

[Global Insight]

It will be a good contest and a true test of Sarfraz's captaincy.

Hopefully Malik bhai do an '09 repeat.

 

[NauV]

I don't think there is any need to get emotional about this. It is a matter of fact that the Pakistan team is much inferior to the Indian team and so Ganguly's comment about India beating Pakistan on June 4th by all cricketing logic makes complete sense.

Rankings just prove that.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

India will win comfortably.If we bat first we'll make around 260 and India will win in around 40 overs.If we bat second,it will be a better contest.

 

[Global Insight]

I don't think there is any need to get emotional about this. It is a matter of fact that the Pakistan team is much inferior to the Indian team and so Ganguly's comment about India beating Pakistan on June 4th by all cricketing logic makes complete sense.

Rankings just prove that.

Overall Team India has enjoyed more success in Limited Overs than Pakistan. However, in this particular case Ganguly is not logical saying that India will defeat us without a shadow of the doubt, due to the fact that India is not as strong of an outfit they were few years back. Pakistan still have big issues, but the contest may very well be closer than anyone thinks.

Statements like these are just silly when they come back to bite you in the behind.

India could very well beat us handily, but this comment doesn't magically strengthen Indias position.

 

[Third_Umpire]

Ganguly is pretty spot on, except when he says that in the 90s/2000s both teams were evenly matched. Pakistan was far superior, by a country mile, and yet managed to lose in world cups. Now, India is far superior than Pakistan and that is consistent whether it's world cups or not.

Still, I'm hoping for an upset on June 4. Green wicket, we bowl first and skittle them for 170ish is our best hope.

 

[Mamoon]

Seems like no one is giving Pakistan any chance. I smell an upset.

 

[kukkad kamaal]

Seems like no one is giving Pakistan any chance. I smell an upset.

If that happens I can imagine the number of threads praising Sarfaraz

 

[Cuts_and_cuts_hard]

Pakistan will win this. India is at its most vulnerable right now with multiple players in terrible form. If Pakistan can't best this Indian team, they may as well give up in all future games.

 

[kukkad kamaal]

This is the best chance for Pakistan to beat India

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Its the game of handling pressure.
Indian players handle pressure pretty well.
Dhoni, Kohli, Yuvi, Jadeja, Shami are all pressure players. Should have selected Gambhir too who is a big tournament player.

But from Pak who?

Lot will depend on our Kaptaan. Strong Pak sides have lost to India because we couldnt handle pressure.

 

[kukkad kamaal]

Bad times for India.. Sarfaraz dhoka nahi de ga

 

[Olympian]

Easy win for India No point even watching the match.

 

[Mamoon]

Think we will win, suspecting a repeat of the 2009 encounter. Won't be a cagey affair like 2004 because of the flat pitch.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Thing is India have too much quality.

If one of them fires they will beat us.

We have a maybe 25% chance.

 

[Rinnegan Sasuke]

Think we will win, suspecting a repeat of the 2009 encounter. Won't be a cagey affair like 2004 because of the flat pitch.

Better batsman, better bowlers, better fielders. One hell of an upset.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

Seems like no one is giving Pakistan any chance. I smell an upset.

sadly even those days are gone cornered tigers.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Deep down Pak fans are hoping against hope for a victory against India, but outside they are pretending to have conceded defeat already.

What a lame post. What do you mean by this? They are just giving their opinion as to what they think is going to happen. Every Pakistan fan will be supporting Pakistan, not deep down but right above however, we do not remain oblivious to the reality like most Indians.

 

[rtramdas]

Just like you predicted a white wash in the IND-AUS test series? Isn't it ,Mr:Ganguly? Going by these ex players
predictions, no need to play matches even.

 

[shravan]

Lot of people over estimating the Indian team, the bowling is very good but the batting leaves a lot to be desired. I expect Pakistan to spring a surprise here.

 

[Mamoon]

Better batsman, better bowlers, better fielders. One hell of an upset.

India are superior in all disciples, but Pakistan can still win.

 

[Poutine]

India are superior in all disciples, but Pakistan can still win.

I thought you were a rational poster but it seems like you are like the other "patriotic" Pakistani fans who overrate their team. You really think Pakistan can win?

 

[Haz95]

I thought you were a rational poster but it seems like you are like the other "patriotic" Pakistani fans who overrate their team. You really think Pakistan can win?

Bangladesh beat England last WC. How is it irrational to say that the worse team can win? What a poor post.

Nonetheless while I see India winning due to their ability to sort themselves out for big matches, a part of me is suspecting a Malik special against his whipping boys..........

 

[Mamoon]

I thought you were a rational poster but it seems like you are like the other "patriotic" Pakistani fans who overrate their team. You really think Pakistan can win?

Where does patriotism come into play here? And do I look like someone who is overrating the team, when I have vehemently stated time and time again that India are superior in all three departments?

However, yes Pakistan can win. It is unlikely, but it is not unthinkable. This game has been around for a few centuries now, and there are numerous, numerous examples of weaker teams toppling superior teams on a given day. Even India have done that to Pakistan on numerous occasions as well. If cricket was played on paper, the superior team would always win. However, it is played on the field and a lot of external factors come into play.

At the moment, in spite of the shaky form, it is 70-30 in India's favour, but the 30% can certainly prevail on the day with a couple of players punching above their weight and a bit of luck as well, i.e. 50-50 calls going our way which makes it a game of fine margins.

Obviously I want Pakistan to win, but I expect India to prevail. However, I am not completely ruling out an upset either. I hope I have satisfied your curiosity.

 

[Justcrazy]

India is mentally stronger , unless some individuals from pakistan play brilliantly , the result is on the wall.

 

[JoniInsafian]

You beat us twice and we beat you once in CT. How's that a whipping? Whipping is 11-0 in World Cups

7-0, not 11-0.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

Hum hain Pakistani hum toh jeetein ge haan jeetein ge

 

[Sanzcool]

7-0, not 11-0.

Includes World Cup T20 too

 

[ExplicitAI]

I'm expecting an Indian win, most damage to occur from Bhuvi, Pandya, Kohli, Dhawan.

 

[Hamza78]

100% Pakistan will win no chance for India in England

 

[shaz619]

I want some of that good stuff as well Ganguly

 

[shaz619]

Birmingham is Pakistan's Lion Den, the blue machine will be eaten before its engine even starts.

 

[Sanzcool]

Birmingham is Pakistan's Lion Den, the blue machine will be eaten before its engine even starts.

Didn't we thrash u in the same venue last CT

 

[shaz619]

Didn't we thrash u in the same venue last CT

The rain won that game, Pakistan are still undefeated at Edgbaston.

 

[jnaveen1980]

What a washed up squad. Aging, out of form, unfit one day team. Rahane is simply not suitable for modern one-day cricket.

 

[Abdul]

He's right. India will demolish Pakistan like they've done always in major tournaments.

 

[JoniInsafian]

Includes World Cup T20 too

It's World T20, not World Cup T20... Stop speaking rubbish...

 

[big_gamer007]

Both sides have sent a bad squad let's hope it doesn't come back to bite us..

 

[marlonbrowndo]

It's World T20, not World Cup T20... Stop speaking rubbish...

Relax

 

[JaDed]

Didn't learn a thing from the Australian visit I see.

 

[Logical]

Fail to see how Pak has any chance in this. A top order of Shehzad/Azhar/Hafeez?? Forget India i'd be surprised if they win a single game.

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

I would like to see the face of SG if ind exit after group stage.

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

He's right. India will demolish Pakistan like they've done always in major tournaments.

Pak has edge over ind in CT

 

[Sidilicious]

Actually, I hope India do poorly here. Then just like the series in 12/13, after which we got rid of our aged players, hopefully we could do the same after CT. There is so much batting talent waiting in the Indian domestic scene waiting to be unearthed.

 

[waleed88]

India will have to play very badly to lose....

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

Why to boast beforehand. It's always wise to celebrate after the victory. Celebrating before the victory invites nothing but embarrassment.

Ask mushfiq

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Can Pakistan can win vs India in CT? well of course they can! There is always a chance. Same way as Ireland got a chance to win vs Australia or India.

But realistically speaking, Pakistan are a minnow (batting, at least) side and every team should own us easily.

If it's a flat track, India will out-bat us. If it's a green track Indian trundlers will own our Bradmans. Just can't see us winning

 

[saeedhk]

The Pakistani team is a midget when compared to the superior Indian team. Another humiliation awaits Pakistan.

 

[stevewittry]

One thing Saurav Ganguly does well recently is provide PP with a thread for discussion that would run beyond 1000+ posts and deeply indulge the bright minds of the posters.

Besides that, there is no merit or evidence in his point.

 

[Rightarmfast]

All the PP posters think that the Indian batters will do most of the damage, or conversely, Amir and gang will skittle out Indian batters. But I think the real problem pakistani team will face will be the Indian bowlers. Umesh, Bhuvi, Shami, Ashwin , Jadeja... Whoever play, will make life tough for Pakistani batsmen. Add to that, the Indian fielding is top notch. They will convert half run out chances, something I dont see Pakistani players doing.
I have no favourites, Pakistan might win this for all I care.

 

[zulfiqar]

Since Mohali, each time we've faced India in a knockout game, I always think we will lose. This is why Afridi vs Ashwin was a pleasant surprise! On the other hand, if it's not a knockout game, Pakistan always fights harder and can punch above its weight! It will be a toughly contested game; make no mistake about it.

That is, as long as Kohli doesn't ruin our freaking party.

 

[zulfiqar]

I have a feeling India will win the toss and elect to bat, and we will get them out for a score around 250. The chase -- just like every Pakistani chase -- will go down to the wire

 

[MenInG]

I don't think there is any need to get emotional about this. It is a matter of fact that the Pakistan team is much inferior to the Indian team and so Ganguly's comment about India beating Pakistan on June 4th by all cricketing logic makes complete sense.

Rankings just prove that.

Think that is true! but we are dreamers.

 

[NauV]

Think that is true! but we are dreamers.

So am I. . And we all hope and pray that we do win . . But regardless, I don't think it changes the reality about who's the better team . . Just given what we know today, most people will bank on India to win . .But funny things happen in cricket

 

[Pollack]

No. We are carrying a few dead woods ready to screw.

 

[fazleefridi]

Azhar < Rohit
Shehzad < Shikhar
Babar < Kohli
Hafeez < Dhoni
Malik = Yuvi
Sarfraz = Pandey
Imad > Pandya
Shadab < Jadeja
Amir > Ashwin
Hassan = Shami
Junaid < Bhuvi

You can see that no.5 to no.11, is more or less equal, for both the teams.

The top order, is what sets up the match, and that is where Pakistan is miles behind.

Had Pakistan had their luck, then this should have been the top order.

Sharjeel > Rohit
Fakhar < Shikhar
Babar < Kohli
Haris = Dhoni

 

[Varun]

Seems like no one is giving Pakistan any chance. I smell an upset.

Pakistan are favourites for the game. India are a shadow of their former selves.

 

[big_gamer007]

All depends on the form of Indian batsman, looking at current form it looks grim but hopefully by the time CT starts they would have rectified their issues and sorted them and can come back in form against Pakistan..

 

[arehaan]

Its going to be a new day with both teams starting from scratch whoever plays better on the day and is able to absorb the pressure will win.

India surely holds the edge but we all know Pak are always dangerous when you dont have high expectations.

 

[jusarrived]

Normally I wudnt be so confident against Pak , we always start 50-50 . This time though I think we have a very superior bowling against a usual weak Pak batting , so I cant think of many scenarios Pak can beat us even though this is one of our weaker batting linups in a while. May be if Pak bats first and some one plays a blinder to set a 270+ total , India may choke under pressure .

 

[jusarrived]

All depends on the form of Indian batsman, looking at current form it looks grim but hopefully by the time CT starts they would have rectified their issues and sorted them and can come back in form against Pakistan..

Those issues cannot be rectified overnight , one opener is inconsistent while the other takes ages to get going and if we bat second chokes under pressure , this alone will ensure we cannot consistently set big targets . secondly , middle and lower order is either past it or not good enough . Noe of these can be rectified , only hope is the senior players play like they did at their peak .

 

[big_gamer007]

Those issues cannot be rectified overnight , one opener is inconsistent while the other takes ages to get going and if we bat second chokes under pressure , this alone will ensure we cannot consistently set big targets . secondly , middle and lower order is either past it or not good enough . Noe of these can be rectified , only hope is the senior players play like they did at their peak .

On paper we are probably the best lineup.. If you look at the peaks for our batsmen in the past all our batsmen have had better peaks than almost all other batsmen from other countries.. Problem is we didn't select onnform now we can only hope the greats of past can give one last good performance and out of form players somehow manage to find form..

 

[Syed1]

India winning the match is a foregone conclusion.

I'm just interested in seeing how India's famed batting lineup handles Amir, Hasan, Imad and Shadab. Remember they haven't seen the latter three and Imad and Shadab in particular are hard to play if you haven't seen them before. Once you play Imad you know he is not going to spin it so you play him like a very slow medium pacer. Shadab's main weapon is the googly, but he has a habit of bowling one or two bad balls in an over and if you are patient enough you can smack him for runs.