India and Pakistan often play intense cricket matches. The pressure from the crowd and the big occasion can affect players. But some cricketers excel in these high-pressure situations.
These top players thrive under pressure, which is why they perform so well. Their consistent performances, especially against Pakistan, have been impressive.
Let’s look at 5 Greatest Indian cricketers who always give their best when facing Pakistan.
5. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is considered one of the best batters of his time and was once on track to break many of Sachin Tendulkar’s records. Even though Kohli hasn’t scored a century since 2019, he has made important contributions, especially against Pakistan. His highest ODI score of 183 came against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup.
Kohli demonstrated his skill when India played Pakistan twice in 2016. In the Asia Cup that year, even though Mohammad Amir caused problems with the new ball, Kohli’s 49 runs were key to India’s victory, earning him the Player of the Match award.
In the 2016 T20 World Cup, Kohli was named Player of the Tournament, with a standout performance against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. His half-century during a difficult chase highlighted his ability in big matches.
Kohli also excelled against Pakistan in major tournaments with a World Cup century in 2015 at Adelaide and a useful 77 runs in the 2019 World Cup.
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4. Rohit Sharma
One big reason why the Indian cricket team has done so well in white-ball cricket over the past ten years is the rise of Rohit Sharma as an opening batsman. Since he started opening for India regularly from the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, he’s been outstanding.
Against Pakistan in ODIs, Rohit’s numbers are amazing. In 16 matches, he has scored 720 runs at an impressive average of 51.42, with two centuries and six half-centuries.
His remarkable innings of 140 off 113 balls against Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup is one of the most impressive performances by an Indian player against their rivals on such a big stage.
3. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid is the only captain who led India to win a Test series in Pakistan, which happened in 2004. He played a key role with the bat in that series, and his famous 270-run innings at Rawalpindi is still one of the best performances by an Indian in Pakistan.
In 15 Tests, Dravid scored 1236 runs with an impressive average of 53.73 and hit five centuries. He was one of India’s most dependable batsmen, especially against Pakistan.
In ODIs, Dravid also had important innings against Pakistan. One notable innings was his crucial partnership with Yuvraj Singh that helped India win against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup.
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2. Virender Sehwag
If any Indian batsman ever scared Pakistan’s bowlers, it was Virender Sehwag. He knew how to counter the fast pace of bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar with his own aggressive style.
His score of 309 in Multan is still seen as one of the best innings ever by an opener. He also made a huge opening partnership of 410 runs with Rahul Dravid against Pakistan in 2006.
In just nine Test matches, Sehwag scored an amazing 1276 runs at an average of 91.14, including four centuries. India might never see another attacking opener like him in Test cricket.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Since he’s known as the “God of Cricket,” it’s no surprise that Sachin Tendulkar tops the list for Indian players with the most runs against Pakistan in all formats.
In 18 Test matches against Pakistan, he scored 1057 runs at an average of 42.28. He hit two centuries, including a highest score of 194* in Multan during the famous 2004 series.
In 69 One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Pakistan, Tendulkar scored 2526 runs and made five centuries. Many people consider his 98 in the 2003 World Cup against Pakistan as one of his best performances.
Tendulkar managed to handle the tough bowling of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar, making the chase easier for his team. His 85 in the 2011 World Cup semifinal against Pakistan was also crucial and made a big difference in the match.
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