IND vs PAK: ‘No change in approach for Asian Games final,’ says Kanitkar

The Indian team batting coach at the Asian Games, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, downplayed the hype of the Pakistan game ahead of the final, scheduled to be played on Saturday, October 3.

For the consecutive year, India and Pakistan will lock horns in a final of a multi-national event.

India are the defending champions. The gold medal is on the line. Up against are the arch-rivals. As it’s the final, the stakes are even higher, but Kantikar stressed on sticking to the same methods and not changing a lot only because the opposition is Pakistan.

“This is one more international game that my team will be playing and it’s for an Asian games gold. So that’s the importance of the game. For international players each and every game is important, everything is scrutinised. Everything is closely watched. So, I think it’s as important as all the other games,” Kanitkar said at the pre-match press conference.

He added: “I mean it’s always a lot of eyeballs, but for the players, to be frank with you, it’s facing a bowler or you know bowling to a batter so that’s what it comes down to and that’s what professionals do. So that’s what we will be focused on.”

Nisshin has seen more washouts than the on-field action. Fortunately, India did get some game in the semi-final against Sri Lanka, which the Men in Blue won quite comprehensively. The final won’t be played on that pitch.

On the uncertainty of the pitch, Kanitkar said: “It looks OK. It was covered so we’ll have to come tomorrow again and have a look how it will play and then decide on whatever (combination).”

The pitches at the Karogi Sports Park have favoured the spinners so far.

In the ongoing Asian Games, the women’s team was successful in defending their gold medal. The men’s team are also eyeing to add another gold to India’s medal tally which will be “extremely special” for the participating players.

“It is extremely special because it goes into the medal tally for the country and like the other Indian athletes they work a lot to get that gold, silver, bronze whatever it may be and it’s not easy. So you are really looking forward to this game, really looking forward to doing very well and winning, so that it can add to the tally of the countries medal and that’s really high on our list and it will be a proud moment for us,” Kanitkar said.

India have a clear advantage over Pakistan in T20I head-to-head meetings, having won 14 of their 17 encounters. However, their upcoming Asian Games clash will mark the first time the two teams have met in the tournament.

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