Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul have spoken about the pressure on India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, pointing to the expectations of a large fan base and India’s recent results at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday (March 8) at the venue.India had suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa during the Super 8 stage of the tournament at the same ground, a result that pushed them close to elimination before they recorded wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. India had also lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium.The venue, which can accommodate 132,000 spectators, has also drawn attention due to the atmosphere during major matches and India’s results there in recent tournaments. This has led to talk among some observers that Ahmedabad has not been favourable for India in big games.
Akhtar, Gul speak about pressure on India
Referring to these factors, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said India’s record at the Narendra Modi Stadium and the expectations of fans could create pressure during the final.“If the wicket at Ahmedabad grips and if it’s favourable for spinners, the par score will be around 200 or 175. Safe score would be 200 plus only. Now, will New Zealand be able to score 250 or 225 against India? If they do, India will be under a lot of pressure,” Shoaib Akhtar said on Game on Hai show.“It’s also clear as daylight that India will also come full prepared. I feel New Zealand may get bogged down in front of India, but India also have pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match at Ahmedabad to Australia in the World Cup final.”Akhtar, however, said India remain the favourites for the title but added that New Zealand winning the tournament would also be good for the sport.“I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket’s sake, it’s high time New Zealand should win this World Cup.”Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul, who was part of the same discussion, said the expectations around the home side could add to the pressure during the final.“New Zealand bowling attack appears stronger. India can be under pressure due to the home team’s big population,” Gul said. “New Zealand recently won a series in India (Test series). They have experience with spin track, and India may also think that these guys played well against us and defeated us. New Zealand will have confidence. It will be a good final.”India reached the final after defeating England in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
