T20 World Cup 2021 | Leadership will play a key role in India-Pakistan clash, feels Matthew Hayden

India and Pakistan, who triumphed at the first two editions of the T20 World Cup, will begin their 2021 campaign against each other in a Super 12s clash in Dubai on Sunday, October 24. Much like ODI World Cups, India enjoys a 100 percent success rate against their sub-continent rivals in the T20 version, having won each of the five matches including the 2007 final in Johannesburg.

"We can present all the stats, do all our homework and research, but nothing can replace all the stuff that we all dream about, or coach about and commentate on - which will be the game itself. I can sense that the players are waiting for that opportunity. I can sense that there is a sense of calm about that. It's now the opportunity of playing the game."

"As you've seen in the IPL, with the two dominant captains - MS Dhoni and Eoin Morgan," he said. "Even though their individual performances weren't as good, (compared to how) they have previously done within their own statistical record, the way they led their troops and conducted themselves, became an important part of UAE.

"One side is not going to run away with the game here. It's a dogfight. The conditions and margins for error will be very little. And so, good leadership will be the key. Babar commands that presence and commands that role. In the batting sense as well, he is the premium player. He will be targeted. He will be the person who every player would want to put in his pockets. There will be pressure on him both as a captain and as a batsman. But I sense that the way he will go about with it will be spot on."

"More or less I have watched KL Rahul grow and he is a major threat to Pakistan,” Hayden said. “I have watched him grow up as a boy. I have seen his struggles and his dominance in shorter formats. I have seen someone like Rishabh Pant, his brash nature and beautiful vision for the game, how he has destroyed bowling attacks because he has got the opportunity because he sees it that way."

Hayden, who was a part of Australia’s dominant World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007, spoke about the challenges that come with participating at the marquee event.