Eoin Morgan warns Pakistan about Ahmedabad crowd ahead of India clash

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Former England captain, Eoin Morgan, shared his insights ahead of crucial India and Pakistan World Cup clash, emphasizing the importance of managing emotions for better performance.

While speaking to Sky Sports, Morgan, who has never witnessed an India-Pakistan game firsthand, highlighted the atmosphere, noise, and emotions as pivotal elements. He stated that the team effectively handling their emotions will likely excel on the field. He analyzed both teams, suggesting that Pakistan needs to adapt to playing in a stadium filled with Indian supporters, a significant shift from their recent experience in Hyderabad.

“I have never been to an India-Pakistan game before and all you hear about is the atmosphere, the noise, the emotions, I think that will be the key to the whole lot of it. Whoever holds their emotions best, will perform the best,” Morgan said.

Morgan praised Pakistan's confidence after a record run chase in Hyderabad

“Pakistan are coming from Hyderabad where they had a record run chase and the confidence is high, Rizwan said in his press conference that the atmosphere there felt like Rawalpindi with the support that they had,” he further added.

However, the former captain also cautioned that adjusting to the contrasting atmosphere in Ahmedabad will be a challenge.

“So going from Hyderabad to here [Ahmedabad] is going to be defining. If they hit a four and take a wicket, there’s gonna be absolute silence. So they will need to address that, it is very difficult to break habits that you are used to getting from a reward, it will definitely be a challenge," Morgan said.

Morgan dubbed the match as "Box Office," acknowledging the star players on both sides.

“Absolutely, box office! When you look at the names on both team sheets and the form they are in. Rohit Sharma scored the fastest hundred by an Indian at the World Cup, Virat looks in sublime form. Well if you go back to the first game against Australia where Mitchell Marsh dropped him, if he catches that ball, it is a completely different start for Virat, you cannot give players like that too many chances,” he added.

The 37-year-old commended Abdullah Shafique for his stellar performance in his maiden ODI hundred.

“They [India] are playing a side that is equally as good, talented, probably not the experienced. Abdullah Shafique is coming from his first-ever game [at the World Cup] scoring a hundred in a record run-chase, and in a partnership where Rizwan would normally take the lead and be the aggressor, he [Abdullah] was actually the one that was the aggressor," he said.

Morgan opined that India holds the edge in the bowling department, especially with the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah, a game-changer with his ability to build pressure and take crucial wickets. He highlighted Bumrah's impact in the recent game against Afghanistan, asserting the importance of a well-balanced bowling lineup for India.

“I would probably lean towards India’s bowling line as being more stronger and in form, bringing Jasprit Bumrah back in just the timely manner. Five months ago, they played in Dublin, he [Bumrah] came in sort of eased way back in with one eye towards the World Cup," Morgan said.

“He is a game changer, four wickets against Afghanistan, building pressure, taking wickets, he is the game changer in both sides. Taking nothing away from Pakistan’s bowling, but I just think the balance of India’s bowling lineup is key for them," he further added.

Lastly, Morgan emphasized the pressure on the captains of both sides, considering the stakes beyond just the game. He highlighted the political and emotional dimensions, underscoring the need for captains to manage their emotions effectively amidst the intense atmosphere and expectations.

“I have never experienced that kind of pressure [for captains]. Outside of performance, you talk about bragging rights, politics, the prime ministers are gonna be there, it's gonna be absolutely crazy. You will see all, catches being held, direct hits changing the game, It is imperative that they manage their emotions well,” he concluded.