World Cup 2015: Pakistan's Unpredictability Makes India Favourites, Says Ian Chappell
Pakistan have never beaten India in the five times that they have faced each other in the World Cup.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: February 14, 2015 10:07 PM IST
On the eve of the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan World Cup 2015 clash, former Australia skipper Ian Chappell backs Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co. to emerge victorious. (Complete World Cup 2015 coverage | Fixtures | Teams | Players | History | Schedule)
"Pakistan are very unpredictable and will put up a good fight but I expect India to win," Ian Chappell said in an exclusive interview to NDTV. (Dhoni Downplays India's Record vs Arch-Rivals)
Pakistan won both their warm-up ties - vs Bangladesh and England while India have struggled Down Under. MS Dhoni & Co. were handed a sound thrashing by Australia before beating Afghanistan in the warm-ups. However, a World Cup clash brings along a lot of added pressure from either sides of the border. (Pakistan's Lack of Experience Worries Inzaman-ul-Haq)
Former India Test batsman VVS Laxman feels India will beat Pakistan merely on mental strength. (Beware of Mohammad Irfan, Rahul Dravid tells Team India)
"History suggests Pakistan don't have the mental ability to handle pressure very well. If they chase a big total, their mental ability will be put to test," Laxman told NDTV. (Chance for Pakistan to create history, says Moin Khan)
Former India skipper and NDTV expert Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that Pakistan's line-up is inexperienced and will miss the services of an all-rounder like Mohammad Hafeez. (Chance for Pakistan to create history, says Moin Khan)
"Mohammad Hafeez's absence will have a huge impact. has got a very record as a batsman and somebody who can come and bowl off-spin at a very good economy rate. He has the habit of breaking partnerships. Hafeez's all-round display and experience will be missed," Gavaskar said.
"Pakistan has an inexperienced line-up apart from Misbah, Afridi and Younis Khan," Gavaskar added.
Pakistan have the dubious record of losing all five World Cup encounters vs India so far - in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011. However, like MS Dhoni said in his press conference earlier, Sunday will be a new day. Can Misbah inspire his men to their first ever win over India in World Cups?