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The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, one of the most intense and celebrated in the sports world, is set to reignite on Sunday (June 9) at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. This much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 group match will be the eighth time the sides clash in the T20 mega event.
Rishabh Pant’s viral interview
Ahead of this blockbuster clash, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has added to the excitement with his comments on a famous fan slogan aimed at Pakistan captain Babar Azam. In an interview on India TV’s “Aap Ki Adalat,” hosted by renowned journalist Rajat Sharma, Pant spoke about the enthusiastic crowd support during the India-Pakistan games.
The famous slogan to tease Babar Azam
In the viral interview, Sharma asked Pant about his reaction to Indian fans chanting, “Tel Lagao Dabur Ka, Wicket Girao Babar Ka,” during the T20 World Cup clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 edition. The slogan, which translates to “Apply Dabur oil, take Babar’s wicket,” became a hit among Indian fans who used it to tease Babar. Pant, laughing, said that such narratives make the matches more interesting, but acknowledged the hard work of every player for his country.
“Sir, what I want to say is that as a player if we see only as a player, they (Pakistani cricketers) also work hard for their country. And it’s not like that, there is always a banter. But there is something very interesting in this, all the emotions come together as a country India, or as a country Pakistan. And like our fans start new narratives, like you said, “Tel Lagao Dabar Ka, Wicket Girao Babar ka”. All these things make cricket matches more interesting, I think,” Pant said.
Rishabh Pant on "TEL LAGAO DABAR KA – WICKET GIRAO BABAR KA" 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/UmsMiYn3OR
— Flamboy Pant (@flamboypant) June 8, 2024
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024, IND vs PAK: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – Where to watch in India, Pakistan, USA, UK & other countries
Pant’s return to form
Pant has made a significant impact since his return to international cricket after a long injury lay-off. He regained his spot in the Indian team following a phenomenal Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, where he was the highest scorer for the Delhi Capitals (DC) with 446 runs in 13 games, including three fifties. In the current T20 World Cup, Pant showcased his talent with a blazing fifty against Bangladesh in a warm-up fixture and a match-winning knock of 36 runs against Ireland. India began their campaign with a comprehensive win against Ireland.
Pakistan’s rocky start in the T20 World Cup 2024
In contrast, Pakistan’s journey in the tournament began with a shock defeat. The United States of America (USA), participating for the first time, stunned the men in green with a thrilling win in a Super Over, adding considerable pressure on Babar and his team. This loss to an associate nation has placed a significant burden on Pakistan as they prepare to face India in the upcoming clash.
