India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: Handle Mohammad Amir With Care, Says Sunil Gavaskar

It's going to be India's batting versus Pakistan's bowling in their T20 World Cup blockbuster at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Saturday. Sunil Gavaskar is cautioning India's top batsmen against Pakistan's lead pacer Mohammad Amir. After their defeat against New Zealand on Tuesday, India must beat Pakistan to remain in fray from Group 2. (Virat Kohli Happy With Mohammad Amir's Return to the Pakistan Side)

Amir has been in telling form since his return to international cricket after serving a ban due to match-fixing. The young left-arm pacer has been jolting top batsmen with his pace and movement and Gavaskar says Indians must treat him with respect.

"Amir's late movement has troubled batsmen. He has been able to swing the ball back to the batsmen something that other left-armers have not been able to do," Gavaskar told NDTV, adding that Rohit Sharma, who opens India's batting and has been in sketchy form, needs to handle the pacer with care "at least for the first couple of overs." (Outstanding' Mohammad Amir Paid For his Mistakes, Don't Cry For Him: Waqar Younis)

After Pakistan scored a paltry 83 in the Asia Cup T20 last month, Amir took out Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane for ducks in the first over. Suresh Raina popped a catch to mid-on in Amir's next over and India were 8 for 3. India coasted to a five-wicket win thanks to a classy 49 by Virat Kohli.

Pakistan 'Slightly Favourites' vs India: Gavaskar

India have never lost a World Cup match against Pakistan, but Gavaskar says that is history. After Pakistan's emphatic 55-run win against Bangladesh on Wednesday, Gavaskar said Pakistan were "slightly favourites" against the Indians.

"They have won their first match in Kolkata, and they also played a warm-up game there. So, though India are the home side, it is Pakistan who are more aware of the conditions. And it will be an advantage going into Saturday's match," said Gavaskar.