-1771054720397.webp)
IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam shared his strategy for handling the intense strain of facing India in the T20 World Cup 2026, underlining the significance of staying calm and focused.
Babar played a pivotal role in Pakistan's 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and now he acknowledges the heightened intensity of the clash.
"Look, as we discussed, an India–Pakistan match is always high-intensity. The whole world is involved—all the fans, both countries—and as you said, it feels like the entire world is watching. It then goes to a different level, and the expectations also rise to a completely different level," said Babar in a video released by ESPNCricinfo.
Babar, who has faced India in five T20I encounters, advised younger players to tune out external noise and focus on the game.
"We have played quite a few such matches, and we’ve learned that the calmer and more relaxed you keep yourself, and the less you listen to outside noise, the better it is. If you stay straightforward and focused, that helps a lot," Babar said.
"From our experience, we talk to the youngsters as well and tell them that yes, there is excitement, but the more you stay easy and tension-free, the better it will be for you," said Babar.
Babar's T20I record against India is underwhelming, with 105 runs from five matches at 26.25 and a strike rate of 128.05. His standout innings was an unbeaten 68 in the 2021 T20 World Cup.