WAR MINUS SHOOTING: Dubai ready for cricket’s biggest rivalry between India and Pakistan

‘We will, we will rock you…’ If fans are going to be wired into hearing this Queen number when India take on Pakistan in the Champions Trophy on Sunday, that will sum up the mood. An India versus Pakistan match brings out emotions for one and all. For the cricketers, for the fans, for the broadcasters. It is like getting a ‘fix’ and getting a high. This has no reference to recreational drugs of any sort, it’s taboo. Just that the build-up for this one contest goes so hyped, so high, everything else pales into significance.

For India, this is the second match in Dubai, after having defeated Bangladesh. Pakistan have entered Dubai after losing to New Zealand in Karachi. The Pakis are already moaning and groaning, how India have the edge after already getting a feel of the turf in Dubai and the atmosphere. Tickets have been sold like hot cakes. The cricket on view should also be hot, for the match-up between two teams who like to whip up the intensity is well-known.

Indeed, for the pessimist, India versus Pakistan is an old theme. Some feel it has been played out too often. Truth is, each contest between the two rivals, who have so much of hatred for each other in a political sense as well, has been high octane. Of course, statistics will tell you India have won more contests. But such is the hype and drama in the build-up, India do not take the Pakistanis as an easy side.

When the first ball is bowled on Sunday, India will come to a standstill. Even those who are not cricket junkies will tune in, be it on television or on phone apps. There is nothing more thrilling than rooting for India when they play Pakistan. There has been so much suspense in the past as well as excitement. The Indian team has a great number of fans across the border as well. They love Jasprit Bumrah, who is out of action, Virat Kohli as well as Rohit Sharma.

The more people curse King Kohli, the harder he slogs. On Saturday, he spent almost four hours at nets, facing UAE bowlers as well. This is intent, this is intensity and how to prepare for ‘war’ against the tricky Pakis. In contrast, Rohit is cool, composed, the leader who never lets pressure get to him. He scored in his inimitable styler in the first match. There are a lot of positives from the first win, though taking Pakistan for granted is the last thing India would do.

India vs Pakistan is the mother and father of all battles. War cry, conches, all are part of the battle. It is war minus shooting when the two nations clash. On Saturday, Rishabh Pant was absent from practice, running viral fever. Vice-captain Shuman Gill spoke to the media in Dubai. He said the mood is upbeat and scoring centuries has not made him lose balance. The way Gill has Gill fired in the last two matches, centuries against England in an ODI series at home plus one against Bangladesh, he is in rich form.

As regards the bowling, they have done well, though conditions in Dubai can be tricky. The way the pitch will behave is hard to predict. If it is even bounce in the first half of 50 overs, the ball stops, slows down in the second innings. Rohit has been cursing himself for a dropped catch when Axar Patel was bowling the other day. Fielding and catch practice drills have been intense. It is now all about stepping on the field and pulling the choke chain against Pakistan.

This one contest is what the whole Champions Trophy is for millions of cricket fans in India and across the border. Why not, there is so much history as well as great moments from the past.