'Its Virat Kohli vs Pakistan in reality' - Fans react as Rohit Sharma says India vs Pakistan is El Clasico of Cricket World Cup

Regardless of the sport, an India vs Pakistan match is always a blockbuster, given the intensity of the rivalry that exists between the two neighbouring countries both on and off the field. In cricket, a sport in which both countries excel, the intensity is much higher as the two nations face each other only in major multi-national tournaments due to years of geopolitical tension between them.

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With the 2023 ODI World Cup rapidly approaching, all eyes are on the high-profile encounter between the two arch-rivals. The Babar Azam-led Pakistan will take on Rohit Sharma-led India in the marquee event at the Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14 as per the latest schedule update by the Cricket Governing Body on Wednesday, August 9.

As excitement for the premier 50-over tournament and the IND-PAK match is building among fans globally, India captain Rohit Sharma has come up with a big statement about the high-octane clash. “India Vs Pakistan standout as the El Clasico of the cricket World Cup,” said the veteran opener.

Pakistan have yet to outperform India in ODI World Cups

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While the Men in Green have managed to beat India in the T20 World Cup, they are yet to get a win against the Men in Blue in the 50-over World Cup. The two have faced each other seven times in ODI WCs, with India winning on all occasions, while Pakistan are still looking for a positive result. This dominance of Team India makes fans disagree with Rohit as they say the IND vs PAK match is always a one-sided game.

The last time the duo locked horns in the 2019 ODI World Cup, India registered a stunning 89-run victory, with the Mumbai Indians skipper leading the way with a scintillating century. Apart from his 140 off 113 balls with 14 fours and 3 sixes, then captain Virat Kohli and KL Rahul also smashed half-centuries to take the team total to 336 runs.

Chasing a target of 302 as the game was interrupted by rain, Pakistan struggled against the Indian bowling attack, being restricted to 212 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 40 overs. Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each for India.

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Here's how fans reacted to Rohit Sharma's remark about the India-Pakistan ODI World Cup match:

Pehle Westindies ke sath jito series fir world cup ki baat karo

— Sachin Prabhu | 🇮🇳 (@Sachinvp2798) August 10, 2023

It's bigger than EL clasico tbh

— Ashu (@sic_mundus__) August 10, 2023

Respect El Clasico 😭 it's one sided game

— Garvika (@dvincentstrange) August 10, 2023

Saying elclassico is ok, but the thing that we want is wcup more than this elclassico win , hope no one consider me wrong

— . N (@RAGHAVE21202851) August 10, 2023

India vs Pakistan is not the El Clasico of cricket it is much more than that.

— Prem0707 (@Prem0707csk) August 10, 2023

India had a strong team in 2019, 2021 and 2022 WC. But luck was not with them so they could not even reach the finals.

In 2023, India does not have a strong team and still looking for combinations. They can turn out be surprising team in this years WC

— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) August 10, 2023

El Clasico 7-0 😂😂

— Point (@Fortressview) August 10, 2023

It's not EL Clasico, It's LOL Clasico 🤡🤡🤡

England vs Australia is real EL Clasico 🔥

— Chetan Kumar (@IamChetan_Kumar) August 10, 2023

Its Virat Kohli vs Pakistan in reality. Everytime kohli has to carry 10 clowns.

— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) August 10, 2023

Hope u repeat 2019 against them bruh

— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) August 10, 2023

This will be India must win game.
Koi ICT fans Pakistan ki win afford nahi kar payega apne home ground pe. Too much pressure 💯

— Satya P Singh(spbtctrade) (@spsinghweb) August 10, 2023

It's more of der klassiker where one team dominate the other side completely ... Bayern dominated bvb just like India dominated pak always

— Ravi (@shukla_Ravi71) August 10, 2023