Tranquillity a distant probability for Pakistan and India series – Opinion
With the resumption in the cricketing ties between arch nemesis Pakistan and India after a hiatus of nearly five years, people are overwhelmed and perhaps optimistic to irrational levels as many believe that relations between the two countries will improve
once they start playing against each other.
However, let us not forget that tranquillity is an alien phenomenon in the games between the Greens and Blues, where both sides would do anything to win.
With such bitter competition ahead, both sides know what is at stake. While Pakistan are focussing all their strength towards this two T20I and three ODI series, the Indians are lingering in a state of limbo, as they have failed against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 in the Test
series followed by a shocking draw in the two T20I tournament, where the Indians, after winning the opening match were thumped in the second encounter on 22, December, where they saw victory sail away from them on the last delivery which was smacked by England’s
skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/EJG-Morgan-c1419 for a six with his team requiring three runs to win.
This defeat has certainly woken up India from the abyss of T20 domination, as they had a strong belief that they were second to none in the shortest version of the game.
Things are unfolding badly for skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028, who now has to answer many critics, calling for his head.
Dhoni was already tagged as persona non grata after a string of losses under his cap, but since he led his side to their second ever http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750’s most successful captain, he has been given life lines
by the BCCI.
However, a series loss against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 would likely end his captaincy or even his career because both countries do not handle losing to each other by forgiveness.
If Dhoni loses to Pakistan, he will become the ultimate sinner in India and his captaincy would certainly be challenged.
For the first time since taking over as skipper, Dhoni would be playing against Pakistan under pressure which will be a make or break for the wicketkeeper/batsman. This is the time for him to rise and save his career and also India’s reputation.
While many have already written off Pakistan, because of India’s better stats with two wins in three T20 matches that have ever been played between the two nations.
However, things are a bit different for India as their top guns are now over the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hill-c63180, with their careers almost coming to an end.
On the other side, Pakistan have come to India with a fresh look as most of the players are a lot younger than their counterparts.
This series will be a test of nerves for both sides where the seniors hold an advantage against the younger lads. Nonetheless, a single big knock from anyone could win the game for his team/country.
With everything to play for, India and Pakistan would be facing off on Boxing Day to prove their dominance in the region.
This series has certainly gained momentum and the attention of cricket fans all over the world, which is good for the sport.
Let us hope that the best team wins.
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