India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: From Kohli to Bumrah, here are few key players to watch out for Sunday’s blockbuster clash

The Men in Green have not been in the greatest of forms in T20I since they lost the final against England in Melbourne in the 2022 World Cup. They have been inconsistent with the bat and most importantly their strength which is pace attack has blown hot and cold in the last couple of years. Against USA though it wasn’t the lack of skill or form that caused their downfall but the poor body language and lack of effort on the field.

As per India, they are favorites to win the game the mega clash However, this dynamic might alter because of the New York pitch. The surface has helped seamers early on and also when hit hard length there is a steep bounce which has troubled batters. While India themselves have top-class pacers if the pitch has some grass and moisture, it will bring Pakistani pacers more into the game.

Here are the three key players who can decide the game

Virat Kohli Matches 10 vs Pakistan| Runs: 488| Strike Rate: 123.86| Average: 81.33

No surprise for guessing the Indian talisman’s name. His 82 not out in MCG is arguably the greatest knock played by a batter between the sides in T20 format. It is not only this knock but over the years Kohli has been a thorn in the flesh of the Pakistani side. The batter seems to find the extra level whenever facing the arch-rivals and delivering match-winning performances time and again over the years.

Jasprit Bumrah Matches 3 vs Pakistan| Wickets: 2| Economy Rate: 6.20| Average: 31.00

Bumrah’s sample size against Pakistan is low however, the bowling talisman of the Indian side similar to Kohli would like to make his mark in the marquee fixture. While the Pakistan batting has not been in the greatest of form Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are one of the consistent opening pairings in world cricket who on their day can hurt any side. Hence Bumrah with his wits and willy variations will play a key part in restricting the unpredictable batting unit.

Shaheen Shah Afridi Matches 2 vs India| Wickets: 3| Economy Rate: 8.13| Average: 21.67

The left-arm seamer tends to blow hot and cold through tournaments however, on the day he gets it right there is hardly anyone in world cricket with the new ball who is as lethal as him which he did show to India in Dubai at the 2021 World Cup. With the slightest of the moment on offer if he is in rhythm he can run through the top order and set panic in the Indian dressing room.