I very much doubt that Pakistan players are calm during the world cup encounter against Indians. Be it ODI or T 20, Pakistan players take it too emotional and it reflect on their performance. The talented bunch in form of Akmal brothers, Shoaib Malik, Hafeez, Afridi play much less than potential and look way ahead of the encounter than scenarios they would be in.
India Pakistan Super 8 encounter is an example of the emotional stuff involved. Dhoni's calm influence on the players make it easy for Indians not only against Pakistan, be it any other opponent.
- Afridi played one two many shots to fall in the deep after a blitzkrieg (Perfect plan by Dhoni and Balaji)
- Shoaib Malik could have drowned India, but played a horrendous shot (More of emotional thinking that he has nailed India already)
- Kamran Akmal could have settled. But he felt he started from where he left in practice match encounter against Indians.
- Poor running between the wickets, Panic stricken shot making - All adds up to the emotional stuff that I am talking about.
Cause, we have got to admit, India Pakistan encounter is war and is much more closer to heart for Pakistan players rather than Indian Players. Indians surely play out of their skins and skills to come out on top. But Pakistan players take it too emotionally and fail. Hence we had a very less intensely fought match. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful weekend for Indian supporters.
Virat Kohli is in form of his life and two dropped catches ensured that he grabbed the spoon and had a meat. Sehwag is a wounded tiger, this time internally, because he was not playing in the last match and much to his dislike, he was not rested also. That meant he was dropped. He had a point to prove and it was written on his face that he wanted to remain not out when Indian wins. But, he sent a message that he does not want to be dropped ever again.
Target of 129 in T 20 will always be a piece of cake, not even an India Pakistan encounter could make it nail biting. Yuvraj singh hit the winning runs and ensured that he had another wonderful all round performance in his kitty. Words flew that he might have been dropped to fit Sehwag in. That would have been a blunder and Dhoni will never do that mistake. If Sehwag's ego was hurt and it helps Indians lift their performance in top order, I want to thank Dhoni for doing that to Sehwag.
All is not lost, my gut feel states that Indian will be there in Semi finals. South Africa are not great players of spin bowling and we need to pack our team with Bhajji also. Balaji might leave way for Bhajji or another Dhoni surprise awaits us, we will wait and watch.......
Go India Go................
Regards,
Prashy.
