‘We understand importance of Indo-Pak contest’

MELBOURNE: The most awaited World Cup clash is the India-Pakistan fixture at the MCG on October 23. While players from both teams share a cordial relationship with each other and of late have looked rather relaxed before the big game, the fans on either side of the border contribute hugely in building hype around the fixture.

Both Rohit and his Pakistani counterpart Babar Azam too looked extremely relaxed at the captains’ media interaction here. It was not a surprise that out of the 16 captains, most questions were reserved for Rohit and Babar.

They were also asked about what they usually end up talking about when they meet during tournaments.

“We don’t even talk about cricket,” revealed Babar.

“Rohit bhai is elder than me. I try to learn about the game from him. He has achieved a lot and I try to pick whatever I can from him,” said the humble Pakistan skipper.

With his response, Rohit lightened up the mood in the hall. “Babar is absolutely right. We understand the importance of the game but there is no point talking about it and creating that pressure within yourself. Whenever we meet, we ask about each other’s families. I have met all his teammates.

“Even our former players told us what all they talk. It is usually about ‘how their families are, how their life is, what new car they have bought or going to buy’. It is mainly that,” said Rohit drawing a smile from Babar.