World T20: India-Pakistan rivalry bigger than Ashes, says Ashwin

Indian premium spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday, 18 March, described the rivalry against Pakistan as bigger than the Ashes series and insisted that neither of the arch-rivals start as favourites for Saturday's mouth-watering contest in the World Twenty20 group stage match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

"This rivalry is huge. It is probably bigger than the Ashes. I don't think fans watch this match as a game of cricket, it is more of a border rivalry," Ashwin told reporters while addressing a press conference on the eve of the high-octane clash.

While India are aiming to bounce back from their shocking defeat against New Zealand in the opening game, a resurgent Pakistan will look to replicate their stunning form displayed in the previous match against Bangladesh.

"I don't think anybody has an edge. No one starts as favourites, its 50-50 I think. Pakistan played against Bangladesh brilliantly. If we can rise up and played to our potential we can try and win the game as well.

"I don't think we really see a lot of pressure in this game. We're used to playing a lot of Indo-Pak games. Every game that India plays is a pressure game. We should be able to handle it. We have almost put ourselves in a position where we have to win every game from here. So, I think that is more important and pertinent," added the 29-year-old.

India entered the T20 format's pinnacle event as red-hot favourites on the back of 10 wins in 11 T20 matches, including victory in the Asia Cup.

-ANI