‘Quite rare’: Virat Kohli acknowledges Pakistan fans supporting India in game vs Eng

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli on Sunday acknowledged the support of arch-rival Pakistani fans ahead of India's World Cup match against England at Edgbaston.

Speaking to presenter Mike Atherton after the toss. Virat said, “Crunch result on the outside as well. So I am sure the fans of the Pakistan team will be supporting us today,” when he was posed a question about it. 

Pakistan entered the top 4 in the group stages of the World Cup with a thrilling win over Afghanistan on Saturday. But England can dislodge Pakistan in the top 4 with a win over India. Pakistan needs to win its remaining game against Bangladesh and hope England fails to win one of its matches against India or New Zealand. 

Hosts England is currently 8 points after seven games after starting the tournament as favourites.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain had earlier posed the question to Pakistan fans asking who they will be supporting. 

Question to all Pakistan fans .. England vs INDIA .. Sunday .. who you supporting ?

— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) June 26, 2019

In one of the responses, one Indian fan said, “Most Indians are supporting Pakistan today so that England goes out of the WorldCup.In 1947, England divided India and Pakistan. Today they united them.”

One Pakistani supporter even shared a photo of a biker wearing Pakistani jersey with the shirt bearing Virat’s name and jersey number.

Incidentally, India’s victory will ensure top spot in the point’s table and a possible semi final clash against Pakistan.  

Meanwhile, Virat further added that it was not a problem for India in Sunday's game. “Never a problem, love chasing. But honestly, would have batted first as well. We haven't chased after the first game, so it's a good challenge for us. We might have looked to do that in the last couple of games anyway,” Virat told Atherton.  Rishabh Pant is starting his first game in the tournament in place of Vijay Shankar.