Chappell says Indo-Pak wars have made subcontinental rivalry bigger than Ashes
Ahead of the all-important clash between India and Pakistan, former Australian captain Greg Chappell has ranked the Indo-Pak rivalry ahead of the Ashes. The Ashes stalwart opined that the wars fought by India and Pakistan against each other puts the rivalry on a higher pedestal than the other.
“Unlike Australia and England, who have fought wars together, India and Pakistan have fought three wars against each other, “Chappell told ToI, highlighting the essential difference between cricket's two most famous rivalries.
Although he ranked the Indo-Pak rivalry ahead of the Ashes, the former Australian skipper took a dig at the media for building up everything into a life and death situation.
“They (media) invariably build it up and make it look like a matter of life or death. As players, we certainly didn't view it from that perspective, even though the younger players always ran the risk of getting somewhat carried away. After all, an Ashes win gave you the bragging rights only till the next series,” the 67-year old said.
When asked whether the clash between the rivals is “just another game”, the former India coach said that it differs from individual to individual.
“Everyone does it differently. It is up to the individuals really. As a player, once you are inside the bubble, you just focus on training and doing well. I, for one, never read the newspapers, or switched on the TV before a big game. If you don't hear or read whatever is being said about you, it won't bother you,” Chappell told ToI.
The former Australian skipper also added that he never saw any Indian cricketer preparing differently for a Pakistan game.
“We had a fairly long tour of Pakistan and I can't remember the players preparing any differently. Players generally like to keep the din out of the dressing room because it helps to focus on the job. I don't think it was any different in the run-up to Saturday's match,” said the former India coach.
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