Supplied video
In a zoom chat, Umar Gul said Pakistan will be more confident taking on India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after the their win in the World Cup last year at the same venue and their tails will be up in spite of the absence of their premier bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. He added that India too has as an inexperienced fast bowling attack and if Pakistan chase it will be much more easier and he believes the team winning the toss and chasing will have an extra edge .
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In a zoom chat, Umar Gul said Pakistan will be more confident taking on India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after the their win in the World Cup last year at the same venue and their tails will be up in spite of the absence of their premier bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. He added that India too has as an inexperienced fast bowling attack and if Pakistan chase it will be much more easier and he believes the team winning the toss and chasing will have an extra edge .
See more videos at https://gulfnews.com/videos
Read more Gulf News stories here: https://bit.ly/2HLJ2km
Subscribe to Gulf News on YouTube and watch more of our videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/GulfNewsTV
#UAEnews #cricketnews #asiacup2022
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NewsTranscript
00:00Assalam-o-Alaikum. Good morning. Satsriyakaal. Namaskar to all the lovely people around the world.
00:07The big clash. The big clash. The clash of the world, I would say. The mother of all matches.
00:14India and Pakistan is going to begin today. And it is a match which a billion people are going to watch around the world.
00:22And to discuss about that match, we have the 2009 T20 World Cup winner, Umar Gul, who was also part of the 2007 World Cup where Pakistan had lost.
00:32And who has got great records in the shorter format as well as the longer format. Umar Gul, welcome to the show.
00:37Thank you, Anjit bhai. Thank you so much.
00:40Well, Umar Gul, you know what, India-Pakistan match, it cannot get bigger than this.
00:47Obviously, like people talk about Ashes, but I think this is bigger than Ashes.
00:54Always pressure game. Always like the people, they enjoyed to play each other, India-Pakistan.
01:02So, yeah, it will be a good game and pressure game once again.
01:07And I wish that India-Pakistan play more than like we only play in ICC or ACC.
01:17So, I pray and wish that the revival of India and Pakistan start once again.
01:23Well, Umar Gul says it is bigger than the Ashes and Umar Gul wants that they don't only play the ICC or ACC governments, but they also play bilateral.
01:31We hope, Inshallah, this happens, Umar Gul. But coming to, you know, before I come to tomorrow's match, I have to ask you about the T20 World Cup in 2007.
01:41You were so near, yet so far. Tell me, get back the memories of that World Cup.
01:47You were absolutely brilliant in the final where you got the wickets of Gautam Gambhir.
01:51You got Yuvraj Singh and you knocked over the skipper MS Dhoni.
01:54Tell us what happened in that World Cup in a short thing where you can explain us to all our fans.
02:00To be honest, Anish Bhai, before the World Cup, we did a lot of hard work for that.
02:05We used to play T20 cricket in past. Maybe you know about that.
02:11We played a lot of T20 cricket in Ramadan, especially in Karachi.
02:16They used to go there in Karachi in Ramadan and they play like a couple of good tournaments.
02:24So we had that experience of T20 cricket.
02:28And the second thing is most of the Asian cricketers, like I would say India and Pakistan, they used to start cricket with the tennis ball.
02:39So it's also helped us a lot.
02:42And before the World Cup, I still remember we had a good camp.
02:47It was a one-month camp and not only we did work on our physical fitness but also with the cricket skills, we did a lot of work.
03:01I still remember in 2007, we couldn't start well.
03:07But then as the tournament was going on, our performances got better and better.
03:17And then final, once again, it was a big game, final.
03:24And then India-Pakistan obviously pressure came.
03:27But the thing was I was in good form.
03:30And to be honest, at that time, I wasn't worried about who was facing me.
03:35Because I was very confident and I was in good form.
03:40So yeah.
03:42MS Dhoni's wicket was very crucial for me because he was in good touch.
03:47He was performing very well at that time.
03:49The way he was hitting the ball.
03:52So yeah, I bowled him.
03:54I made a plan with the captain.
03:58When he came to bat, I still remember Malik asked me, what are you going to bowl him?
04:04I said, first ball, I will go and bowl him a bouncer.
04:08And I bowled him and he ducked it.
04:12And then second ball, again he asked me, no, what are you going?
04:17I said, I will go for the Yorker.
04:19Because at that time, that was my weapon, Yorker and bouncer.
04:24So I bowled a Yorker to him and I got him out.
04:28So I think it was a big moment for me.
04:31At that time, MS Dhoni was in good touch and good form.
04:34So yeah, he was the key player in 2007.
04:37Well, that was going to be my next question.
04:39Out of all three wickets, which was the key wicket and you mentioned MS Dhoni.
04:42And we know how MS Dhoni has evolved as a player after that.
04:46But I have to again ask about the 2009-20 World Cup.
04:52How was that feeling that you won that World Cup?
04:55How was that heroes welcome you got in Pakistan?
04:58I think we were waiting for that moment to win an ICC event, a big trophy.
05:04Because I mentioned so many times that we won an ICC trophy back in 1992.
05:12In the leadership of Imran Khan.
05:15So everybody wants to play the final and win the final.
05:18Although we couldn't win in 2007.
05:21We were just one step away.
05:23We lost the final.
05:26But the 2009 World Cup was again a good opportunity for us.
05:31At that time, T20 was newly started in cricket world.
05:37So as I said earlier that we used to play a lot of T20 cricket.
05:42We had the experience at that time.
05:44So we just tried to learn from our mistakes.
05:50To be honest, the people of Pakistan had so many problems.
05:57In the shape of the country situation.
06:00We just want to make the people happy.
06:04And cricket is the only thing that plays a big role.
06:09Not only to make the people happy.
06:12But also whenever in Pakistan they had some problem.
06:17So cricket was the only thing to bring them together.
06:21Bring them close.
06:22So yeah, it was a good opportunity.
06:25And we had a plan and target in our mind.
06:30To win this World Cup and make our people happy.
06:33So yes, we succeeded to win the World Cup.
06:37And then when we came to home.
06:39I can't imagine how the people welcomed us.
06:44And the people, everybody, the players.
06:46Who belong from which city, they go there.
06:49And like you can say, in big rallies.
06:53People picked up the players from the airport.
06:57And then they came to their homes.
07:00Like people came and welcomed them and made them happy.
07:04So I think it was a big moment for us.
07:06Well, Umar Gul said that cricket brings a lot of happiness.
07:11On the fans of India and Pakistan.
07:13And winning the World Cup after 1992 and 2009 was a big gap.
07:18And he is very proud that he was part of that team.
07:20Absolutely, Umar Gul. We all are proud of you.
07:23Now we have to talk about the big match which is happening today.
07:26India vs Pakistan.
07:28Well, so far, so many years India had that wood over Pakistan.
07:34But they changed it last year in UAE itself.
07:36In the same ground, Dubai.
07:38Where Pakistan actually beat India by 10 wickets.
07:41Now going into tomorrow's match.
07:43Will Pakistan have that little bit of edge and confidence?
07:46Anish Bhai, obviously, as you said earlier.
07:51That we couldn't win in ICC.
07:55Like trophy, World Cup.
07:59But champion trophy against India.
08:02So I think it was the first time that we won the game against India.
08:06In ICC champion trophy.
08:08And obviously, we are also wishing to win Pakistan.
08:11Especially the people you know.
08:13Very famous word, Moka Moka.
08:17So I think we have to change it.
08:19I hope so that it changes now.
08:22The word Moka Moka.
08:24Now I think it is out of people's minds.
08:26From both sides.
08:28So yeah, looking forward.
08:30It will be a good game.
08:31And obviously, as you mentioned.
08:34Pakistan will have some advantage.
08:36The mindset that we didn't win in ICC trophy.
08:39Or in big ICC events.
08:41We didn't win against India.
08:43So obviously, players have an advantage.
08:45And the second thing is.
08:47In Pakistan team, most of the players.
08:49They are young.
08:51They are new.
08:52And they don't have that much pressure.
08:55Like when we used to play.
08:57Being a senior.
08:58Always you face pressure more than the youngsters.
09:03So I think this is also an advantage.
09:05Mostly the youngsters are of the same age group.
09:08They don't have much pressure.
09:10And obviously.
09:11It's been a long time.
09:13Winning against India in the World Cup.
09:15To be honest.
09:17It will be a boost for the Pakistan team.
09:22And on the other side.
09:24India also thinks.
09:27Recently we won against Pakistan.
09:29So obviously.
09:31They will be more conscious.
09:34And more focused.
09:36So I think once again.
09:38It will be a good game.
09:39So Umar Gul says.
09:41The mindset of Pakistan team will be definitely different.
09:45And they will come with a lot of confidence.
09:47When they take on India this time.
09:49Because the monkeys of the bag.
09:51That they have finally beaten India in an ICC.
09:53Absolutely no doubt.
09:54Now going to the match.
09:55Last year.
09:56Pakistan had.
09:58The left-arm spacer.
10:00Shaheen Shah Afridi.
10:01Who knocked over Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
10:03And probably.
10:04Also he got Virat Kohli.
10:06But that were the three big wickets.
10:07Which turned the page.
10:09This time they do not have it.
10:11Do you see Pakistan.
10:12Bowling will be affected in the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi?
10:15To be honest.
10:17Pakistan have.
10:19Like the other guys.
10:21They have some good bowler.
10:25But obviously.
10:26Shaheen.
10:28He is playing from 3-4 years.
10:30He is with the team from 3-4 years.
10:34And obviously he has the left arm.
10:37So once he gets the swing.
10:39So it always.
10:41Put some pressure on the batsmen.
10:44They.
10:46They can create problems.
10:49And as we have seen.
10:52So.
10:55So.
10:58So.
11:01So.
11:04So.
11:07So.
11:10So.
11:13So.
11:16So.
11:19So.
11:22So.
11:25So.
11:28So.
11:31So.
11:34So.
11:37So.
11:40So.
11:43So.
11:46So.
11:49So.
11:52So.
11:55So.
11:58So.
12:01So.
12:04So.
12:07So.
12:10So.
12:13So.
12:16So.
12:19So.
12:22So.
12:25So.
12:28So.
12:31So.
12:34So.
12:37So.
12:40So.
12:43So.
12:46So.
12:49So.
12:52So.
12:55So.
12:58So.
13:01So.
13:04So.
13:07So.
13:10So.
13:13So.
13:16So.
13:19So.
13:22So.
13:25So.
13:28So.
13:31So.
13:34So.
13:37So.
13:40So.
13:43So.
13:46So.
13:49So.
13:52So.
13:55So.
13:58So.
14:01So.
14:04So.
14:07So.
14:10So.
14:13So.
14:16So.
14:19So.
14:22So.
14:25So.
14:28So.
14:31So.
14:34So.
14:37So.
14:40So.
14:43So.
14:46So.
14:49So.
14:52So.
14:55So.
14:58So.
15:01So.
15:04So.
15:07So.
15:10So.
15:13So.
15:16So.
15:20So, they have some youngsters. There will be pressure on them as well.
15:24The additional pressure of India-Pakistan will obviously be on both sides.
15:29Well, Umar Gul has said, like Pakistan don't have Shaheen Shafridi, India, mind you, does not have Jasprit Bumrah.
15:35And they have youngsters in Avish Khan. They have the left-armer from the Punjab Kings team.
15:43I'm just not able to recollect his name. But they have the experience of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
15:47We are talking about Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep Singh and Avish Khan are the two faces along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya.
15:54But they definitely, in Pakistan, can take advantage of that inexperience of India.
16:00Like how Pakistan has the inexperience of the bowling.
16:03Now, coming to the batting of India. Umar Gul, we all know Virat Kohli is not in the prime form.
16:09What do you think is going wrong with Virat Kohli? I mean, what is happening with Virat Kohli?
16:16I think it's happened with the players. Like, you can't say that he is not good enough anymore.
16:23It's happening. He has been performing for many years. There is a bad time for the players.
16:29And I wish that he performs. Because, Virat Kohli, to be honest, I am a big fan of him.
16:40I think he is a role model for the youngsters, not only in India, but all over the world.
16:48He became a role model for the youngsters.
16:51Day before yesterday, I met him in the ground. He came to me and we hugged each other.
17:00I told him, don't worry. It doesn't matter if you are performing or not.
17:05But you are a kid and self-confidence, it always depends.
17:09So, he said, yeah, it is always Almighty Allah is there.
17:13So, what is happening, it's from the heart.
17:17So, he was confident and I know he has the ability. He will bounce back.
17:21And he could be dangerous. I am telling you.
17:25Well, Umar Gul says Virat Kohli can be dangerous.
17:30And the bromance, I would say, between India and Pakistan players off the field is absolutely marvellous.
17:36Well, they say that Umar Gul hugged Virat Kohli and he is a big fan of him.
17:40Now, coming to other players. We all know Rohit Sharma is the new captain.
17:44And under Rohit Sharma, India is playing that attacking brand of cricket.
17:48When we say attacking, India was known to start slowly and then pick up the tempo.
17:53But now, under Rohit Sharma, you see the likes of Surya Kumar Yadav and the puns.
17:58Everybody going from big, ball one, they want to go hard.
18:02Do you think this is a danger sign for Pakistan?
18:06Obviously, the team against which we are playing, this is a fact.
18:12The Indian batting lineup, especially in T20, they are very dangerous.
18:19They played for a couple of years.
18:22The IPL has a big role in changing their cricket.
18:27If you look at Rohit Sharma himself, he is a very attacking player.
18:33If you look at Rahul, if you look at Surya Kumar,
18:42I think they are very dangerous.
18:46Anyone like him, he could change the game.
18:50So what strategy should Pakistan have?
18:53Because now India's approach is the England style of attacking cricket.
18:56Go bang-bang, then go cricket.
18:58So according to you, what should Pakistan do to make sure they have a plan?
19:03Of course, they will be having a plan.
19:05But what do you think, if you were Pakistan's past bowler, how do you tackle this attacking style of Indian cricket?
19:11Obviously, go and take wickets with the new bowler.
19:16First of all, powerplay is very important.
19:18If you take 2-3 wickets, obviously the team comes under pressure.
19:23I think the key point is taking wickets.
19:27It is very important to take wickets with a new bowler.
19:30If India plays powerplay well, then obviously the Pakistani bowler can come under pressure.
19:37They have a lot of batting depth.
19:40They also have a lot of experience.
19:43They have more experience than the IPL, like I said earlier.
19:47So I think the Pakistani bowlers will have to perform.
19:55They will have to take wickets.
19:57If they don't take wickets, then I think high-scoring matches can happen.
20:04Who is the main player India and Pakistan need to worry about?
20:09That batsman, you think, according to you.
20:11You mentioned Rohit Sharma, Rahul, Virat, Suryakumar Yadav, Pandya.
20:16Who do you think is the most dangerous player in India and Pakistan?
20:20All of them are good, but if you were to target one, who would you say is the dangerous player?
20:26In India's batting, Rohit Sharma, Rahul, Pandya can change the game.
20:45Virat Kohli, I know, is a great player.
20:48But the way he plays cricket, he plays a proper cricketing shot.
20:54His batting style takes his entire team.
20:59He builds innings and plays other players as well.
21:02That is his key role.
21:04But at the time, if you talk about dangerous players in T20,
21:08then I think these three can be dangerous.
21:10Pandya, Rahul, and Rohit.
21:14Well, Umar Gul says the three dangerous players Pakistan needs to be looking out for are Rohit Sharma, Rahul, and Pandya.
21:21Now, I cannot help but ask about Babar Azam.
21:24As they say, they compare Babar Azam and Virat Kohli.
21:27Babar Azam, from the time he has taken, he has been scoring runs in all formats.
21:31He is the number one T20 player.
21:33Tell us more about Babar Azam to our fans.
21:35Because a lot of people still don't know about Babar Azam, that shy type who speaks less.
21:39Tell your fans about Babar Azam.
21:42I think Babar Azam is a hard worker.
21:46His process towards the game, towards the match, before the game.
21:51His process is amazing.
21:53He works on his batting.
21:56He doesn't waste his time.
22:00Once he comes to the nets, he does batting properly.
22:10He does batting according to the match.
22:14He doesn't go there and play shots.
22:18His head position is not right.
22:23His hand is somewhere else.
22:25He practices proper cricketing.
22:27His process towards the match is amazing.
22:31That's why he is performing.
22:33He is very consistent.
22:35He is focused.
22:38The most important thing is that he has worked hard from U-17 to U-19.
22:45He has come through a process.
22:47It's not that he has come through a process.
22:49He had potential.
22:51All the selectors and coaches at his junior level, they kept their eyes on him.
22:59He has come through a process.
23:01That's why he is very consistent and focused on his game.
23:07That's what Umar Gul says.
23:09Babar Alam has just not come into cricket.
23:11He has come through a process, through the U-19 cricket.
23:13He doesn't play airy-fairy shots.
23:15He has a proper technique.
23:17When he bats, he bats like a champion.
23:19If at all, I had to ask you one X-Factor from Pakistan.
23:24Like you mentioned about India's X-Factor.
23:26The X-Factor from Pakistan team going into tomorrow's match against India.
23:31Obviously, Babar.
23:34After a long time, we got a good player.
23:39A good batsman.
23:41So, Babar and Rizwan.
23:43And then, Fakhar Zaman.
23:47Could be an X-Factor.
23:49These three are top-order players.
23:51If they play well in the first powerplay, they can bring the Indian team under pressure.
23:57And then, in lower order or middle order.
24:01If you look at the last four.
24:03Asif Ali, I forgot.
24:06Asif Ali is an X-Factor.
24:08And Khush Dilsah.
24:10Both of them have the ability to hit big shots.
24:12All the boundaries.
24:14When they hit, they don't go for 60-70 meters.
24:17They go for 80-90 meters.
24:19So, these two, later on, could be an X-Factor for Pakistan.
24:23Well, Umar Gul says, not only Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan.
24:27He mentioned about Khush Dilsah and Asif Ali.
24:29And we all know what Asif Ali did last year in the T20 World Cup.
24:32That they can clear any boundary.
24:34Now, Umar Gul, I have to ask you this question.
24:36India or Pakistan tomorrow?
24:38I know you are a Pakistan cricketer.
24:41But if you had to pick one team, and why?
24:44Obviously, I will go with Pakistan.
24:51I belong to Pakistan.
24:53Apart from that, I am a Pakistani.
24:59If Pakistan bats second, then it is an advantage for India.
25:12It is an inexperience for India.
25:15Because if Bumrah doesn't bat, it will obviously make a difference.
25:19But again, the ball is a key factor for Pakistan.
25:25If we don't bowl first, then we will have to out the opener early.
25:31Otherwise, the way Rohit and Rahul are famous for their batting style,
25:40then it can be dangerous.
25:43So, on both sides, it is still 50-50.
25:48Well, Umar Gul has said definitely he wants Pakistan to do well.
25:53And toss might play a crucial role.
25:55Because he feels that if Pakistan chases the inexperience of Indian bowling,
25:59it might come into play.
26:01We will have to wait and watch what happens.
26:03The world is going to watch this match.
26:05But my dear friend, you had Umar Gul expressing his viewpoint
26:08about the India-Pakistan match, their rivalry.
26:11Thank you, Umar Gul.
26:12It was absolutely, absolutely a pleasure to talk to you.
26:16You have been a legend on the field and off the field.
26:19I am sure all the people who are going to listen to this show
26:21are going to say a legend off the field.
26:23Thank you, Umar bhai.
26:24Thank you, Anish bhai. Thank you so much.