7 player battles to watch out in India vs Pakistan ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

India will take on Pakistan on October 14th at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Cricket is more than just a sport, it's a passion that ignites the hearts of millions, especially when it comes to the fierce rivalry between India and Pakistan. The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 promises to be a spectacle that will captivate the world. Among the many exciting aspects of the tournament, the player battles between these two cricket giants will undoubtedly be one of the highlights. Let's delve into seven epic player battles to watch out for in this thrilling clash.

Here are the top 7 player battles to watch out for in India vs Pakistan ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match:

1. Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi :

When the elegant stroke-maker Rohit Sharma goes up against the young and lethal Shaheen Afridi, it's a contest that cricket fans eagerly anticipate. Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the "hitman," is a master at building his innings and then launching devastating attacks on bowlers. On the other side, Shaheen Afridi's pace and ability to swing the ball make him a fierce competitor.

In the 2021 edition of the T20 Cricket World Cup and in the recently concluded Asia Cup, Shaheen got the better of Indian skipper. It will be a contest of Rohit's patience against Shaheen's aggression. If Rohit can handle Shaheen's early bursts and settle in, we might witness a masterclass in batting.

2. Virat Kohli vs Shaheen Afridi :

Virat Kohli, the modern-day run machine, is one of the best batsmen in the world, and his battle with Shaheen Afridi is bound to be epic. Kohli's ability to read the game and play under pressure is unmatched. Moreover, Kohli has loved to compete against Pakistanis over the years. In the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup, Kohli played a match-winning innings to snatch the win from Pakistan.

Facing the pace and precision of Shaheen Afridi, it will be a challenge for Kohli. If Kohli can conquer Shaheen, it could be a game-changer for India, while Shaheen will aim to get the prized wicket of Kohli early on, shifting the balance in Pakistan's favor.

3.Virat Kohli vs Haris Rauf :

“Kohli goes down the ground, Kohli goes out of the ground,” the words of Harsha Bhogle echo amongst all Indian fans when Haris Rauf last faced Virat Kohli in the ICC tournament. Nonetheless, Haris Rauf's express pace and fiery spells have made him a sensation in limited-overs cricket.

Kohli, known for his impeccable technique, will need to adapt quickly to Rauf's speed and variations. Kohli's ability to dominate Rauf will again be put to the test when they face each other on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The battle between Kohli and Rauf could determine the outcome of the match.

4. Virat Kohli vs Mohammad Nawaz :

If there’s one cricketing memory Mohammed Nawaz would like to forget from his memory, it would be the last over against India in the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup. In the ‘Horror of Melbourne,' Nawaz gave away 16 runs in the last over, which meant India won the game in the most dramatic circumstances.

However, each game in cricket is a different game, and Virat Kohli's showdown with Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan's left-arm spinning all-rounder, is an intriguing prospect. While Kohli is a master of spin, Nawaz's ability to generate turns and extract bounces on helpful pitches could pose a significant challenge. Kohli's game plan against spinners has been impeccable, and he will be eager to take control of the middle-overs. The contest between Kohli's class and Nawaz's craftiness promises to be worth looking out for.

5. Babar Azam vs Jasprit Bumrah :

Babar Azam, Pakistan's captain and one of the most elegant batsmen in the world, will face off against the deadly Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead. Babar's ability to time the ball to perfection and play shots all around the ground is a treat to watch. Babar did not have the best of games with the bat in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and he will want to score big against his arch rivals.

On the other hand, Bumrah's unique action, pace, and ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers make him a nightmare for batsmen. Bumrah has had a brilliant start in the ongoing World Cup, with six wickets in two games. This battle could be a game-changer, as Bumrah will look to exploit Babar's weaknesses, while Babar will aim to master Bumrah's deliveries.

6. Babar Azam vs Kuldeep Yadav :

The clash between Babar Azam and Kuldeep Yadav will be a test of skill and technique. Babar is known for his ability to spin confidently, and his contest with the crafty Kuldeep Yadav, India's left-arm wrist spinner, will be fascinating. Kuldeep's variations and ability to spin the ball both ways can bamboozle even the best of batsmen.

Kuldeep got the better of Babar in a beauty of a delivery last time in the ODI World Cup, and he will look to do the same in a spin-friendly wicket in Ahmedabad. Babar's strategy to tackle Kuldeep's spin and Kuldeep's quest to outfox the stylish Pakistani batsman will be a great to watch.

7. Hardik Pandya vs Shadab Khan :

Hardik Pandya is a big-game player, and against Pakistan, he has always delivered for men in blue. In the last ICC tournament, along with Virat Kohli, they snatched the game away from Pakistan. In the recently concluded Asia Cup, he struck along with Ishan Kishan in the first game against Pakistan to put up a respectable total.

In the limited-overs format, all-rounders play a crucial role, and the battle between Hardik Pandya and Shadab Khan will be pivotal. Pandya, known for his aggressive batting and effective medium-paced bowling, will lock horns with Shadab Khan, who is a dynamic spinner and a handy lower-order batsman.

This contest will not only impact the outcome of the match but also showcase the significance of all-rounders in modern cricket. Pandya's explosive hitting against Shadab's spin and clever variations will be a delightful contest.