Before the game against Pakistan in this year’s World T20, Indian off-spinner R Ashwin had said:“As far as the Indians and Pakistanis go, I don’t think they watch this game as a game of cricket. It’s more of a border rivalry.”

Well, no one can deny Ashwin’s claims. Ever since the first match that was played way back in 1952, the Indo-Pak games have resonated far beyond the cricket field. Emotions run high among the millions of fans on both sides of the border.

Players from both the sides remain under immense pressure and even the slightest of mistakes could make them a national villain. The games between the arch-rivals become all more important during the World Cup. So far, India has not lost a single game against Pakistan in the biggest tournament of the game and one of the reasons for their unbeaten record can be given to the team’s ability to hold their nerves well. While there is no denying the fact that Pakistan always boasts of some of the finest players in the game but their inability to cope with the pressure has cost them the matches.

Anyway, fans are always keen to know what goes on in a player’s mind just before the high-voltage clash and this video will show you that. The video was taken when both the teams were getting ready to come out on the field for the national anthem during the 2015 World Cup. One can get an idea of the India players’ steely nerves by the fact that despite being called upon numerous times by their fans,they did not pay any attention and just focused on the match.

Watch the video: