Captain Babar Azam, during a press conference preceding Pakistan's tour to Ireland and England, discussed Pakistan's strategies to counter the Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in the highly-anticipated India (IND) vs Pakistan (PAK) T20 World Cup 2024 match, scheduled for June 9 in New York.
Before their participation in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in June, Pakistan cricket team is scheduled to play in 7 T20Is, comprising 3 matches against Ireland and 4 T20I matches against England.
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During the press conference, when asked about Pakistan's strategy to counter India's most potent batter, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam emphasized that Pakistan prioritizes planning for not just individual players but for the entire Indian team, comprising all 11 players.
"As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We don’t plan anything against only one player. We plan for all eleven players. We don’t know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players, and we will plan against him as well," Babar said.
Virat Kohli is regarded as a significant threat to Pakistan due to his outstanding performances in past high-pressure matches between India and Pakistan. Kohli has amassed an impressive 488 runs, including five half-centuries, in 10 encounters against Pakistan, boasting a remarkable average of 81.
Babar Azam optimistic regarding Gary Kirsten’s appointment as Pakistan's white-ball team head coach
Last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a significant move by appointing Gary Kirsten as the head coach of their national team's white-ball cricket for a two-year contract.
Kirsten, a South African national, brings with him great experience, having previously served as the head coach of both the Indian (2008-2011) and South African (2011-2013) international cricket teams.
"He (Kirsten) is a very experienced coach, and his presence should be beneficial for us all. He is already taking a lot of interest in the planning for the World Cup and discussing strategy with the team management," Babar said during the press conference.