We are not thinking about these rivalries – Axar Patel on India's win against Pakistan

As India achieved its third consecutive win in the T20 World Cup 2026, a major question arose: has India pulled too far ahead in the Indo-Pak rivalry?

Axar Patel discussed the overall rivalry and India’s mindset during the post-match press conference, right after taking figures of 2/29, which included the crucial wickets of Babar Azam and Usman Khan.

Explaining India’s mindset for the clash, Axar said, “There's India's batting versus Pakistan bowling or whatever - we were not thinking about that. We were just thinking about our plan and our execution when we are batting or bowling. We were just thinking about what we have to do if we are bowling first or bowling second? How was the wicket? So we were thinking about our game.”

Adding further, Axar said, “We are not thinking about these rivalries or whatever. We are playing against one team, and we are just focusing on cricket. So whenever I am playing, I am not thinking about others. I treat it as a one-on-one match against an opponent. So I'm not thinking about any rivalry or whatever."

India also had massive support in Colombo and Axar Patel was vocal about the fans too. The Indian all-rounder said, “We are not thinking about these rivalries or whatever. So we are playing against one team, and we are just focusing on cricket. So whenever I am playing, I am not thinking about others. I treat it as a one-on-one match against an opponent. So I'm not thinking about any rivalry or whatever."

He concluded by stating, “And yes, people who want to come support us. It feels good. And it is not like that only in Sri Lanka, but when we go to any other country many people come to support us. It is same like this everywhere."