According to Tendulkar, Pakistan would be focussing on taking down Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply as the duo are the two most experienced players in the Indian batting lineup.
Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir sits after taking part in a training camp for the upcoming England cricket tour at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in eastern Pakistan's Lahore on June 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Sajjad)
Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar advised the Men-in-Blue to be cautious when they face their arch-rivals Pakistan in the most-awaited World Cup clash on Sunday in Manchester.
According to Tendulkar, Pakistan would be focusing on taking down Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply as the duo are the two most experienced players in the Indian batting lineup.
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“Rohit and Virat are the two more experienced players in the lineup and Pakistan would be focusing on getting them early without any doubt as that opens the game for them. Amir and Wahab Riaz will definitely target their wickets early on,” Sachin Tendulkar told India Today after India’s match against New Zealand was washed out at Trent Bridge.
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“But Rohit and Virat should also be looking to play long innings. The plan should be that the rest of the guys play around them,” he added.
Pace spearhead Mohammad Amir was brilliant against Australia in the match that Pakistan lost by 41 runs in Taunton. The left-arm pacer scalped five wickets while conceding only 30 runs.
Tendulkar also advised the Indian batsmen not to have a negative mindset while batting against Amir and play their natural game.
“I wouldn’t go in with a negative mindset of playing dot balls against him. If you get an opportunity, I would encourage India to play their shots and stay positive. It’s not about survival but rather going out there and even defend positively. No need to do anything different,” said the 46-year-old.
“We need to be aggressive in all departments. The body language is important – the bowler knows that you’re in control if you defend confidently,” he added.
Notably, India will be playing without its opener batsman Shikhar Dhawan, who is currently sustaining a thumb injury.
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