Virat Kohli plays down hype around IND vs PAK match, says 'it's like any other game'

India and Pakistan will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on October 24 in Dubai. The teams don’t play against each other often and only face in International events and Asia Cup. Given the fans emotional attachment to the game, the buzz around the match is expectedly very high. However, the Indian skipper has played down the hype and said that for the team, it’s just like any other game of cricket.

“I can talk from personal experience. I have honestly never felt so. I have always approached this game as just another game of cricket. I know there’s a lot of hype created around this game, more so with ticket sales and the demands of tickets and right now, the value of those tickets are ridiculously high. That’s all I know,” Kohli said.

“My friends asking me whether there are tickets left, right and centre, and me saying no. It’s probably the only change that I experience from any other game. Apart from that, we make anything extra out of this game.

“For us, it’s a game of cricket that has to be played in the right way, in the way we know we can. Yes, the environment is different on the outside from the fan’s perspective, it’s definitely louder, definitely more excitement in the air. But apart from that, from the players’ point of view, we stay as professional as we can and always approach this game in the most normal way possible,” he added.

Kohli also talked about MS Dhoni’s presence in the dressing room. Dhoni has been roped in as a mentor for the showpiece event. Kohli said Dhoni is an inspiring figure and his presence will be a huge confidence booster for the team. “His eye for intricate details and practical advice will help improve the game by one or two per cent. Absolutely delighted to have him… His presence will not only boost morale but also increase the confidence that we already have,” he said.