"If you win against Pakistan, you have won a World Cup" - Navjot Singh Sidhu ahead of Team India's big clash in T20 WC 2024

Former Indian opening batter Navjot Singh Sidhu believes victory against Pakistan is equivalent to winning the World Cup. The reputed commentator admitted that Indians are okay with losing to anyone but Pakistan, especially in World Cups.

India and Pakistan will square off for the ninth time in T20 World Cups on June 9 in New York. The Men in Blue hold a 7-1 winning record over their arch-rivals and are overwhelming favorites to triumph on Monday too.

Speaking to India Today, Sidhu observed how strongly people react in India in case of a defeat to Pakistan as it is unacceptable to them.

"No one accepts defeat here. It's the culture of retribution. Defeat is not bitter if you swallow it, but here no one wants to accept the defeat. You lose from anyone, you should not lose against Pakistan. If you win against Pakistan, you have won a World Cup. People equate. There is always backlash and retribution over loss. No one wants to lose here. However, now things have changed a bit, as the teams do not get to play against each other quite often."

Pakistan broke their unwanted run against India of losing in World Cups in the 2021 edition in the UAE. The unbroken 152-run opening stand between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan consigned India to a ten-wicket loss.

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"There is no batting for the Pakistan side" - Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu. (Image Credits: Twitter)

Based on Pakistan batters' current form, Sidhu believes they are no match to India. He added:

"On one side there is ascendency and on the other end there is descendency. You lost against England. You are a Test-playing nation, and you lose against the USA. There is no batting for the Pakistan side. You can not rely on an individual. Meanwhile, India has a well-balanced side in the T20 World Cup."

Rohit Sharma and company defeated Ireland by eight wickets to open their campaign in New York.