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Picture Credit: ECB

India and Pakistan share a rivalry on the cricket field. Although the two neighbouring countries get limited chances to play against each other, the thrill and drama are always there. However, the players of both teams share huge mutual respect and they have talked about it in open. A testimony of the same was seen in the T20 World Cup last year where Mohammed Rizwan and Virat Kohli shared a wholesome moment.

No matter what the fans say, the cricketers stick to professionalism and admire each other’s game. Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammed Rizwan has stated this once again. As the Pakistan cricketer is currently sharing the dressing room with India batting stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara, he says he doesn’t feel anything strange about that.

“And as far as myself and Pujara are concerned, I didn't feel anything strange [on the lines of India-Pakistan rivalry]. And hopefully, if you ask him, his answer will be the same as mine. Although I do share a laugh with him and tease him [laughs] and everyone in the team knows this,” said Rizwan in a recent interview.

He also heaped praise on the Indian batter for his concentration and focus while batting. Rizwan put Pujara on the list of players he admires for their focus. “In my whole career, the players with most focus, and concentration are Younis bhai, Fawad Alam, and his [Pujara's]. Pujara is second on my list and Fawad Alam is on three in terms of pure concentration and focus. I rate these three players very highly,” said Rizwan.

He told me to play close to the body: Rizwan

Talking about his interaction with Pujara, Rizwan revealed that the Indian batter advised him to play close to the body to bat longer in red-ball cricket. “Early on here, I played away from my body and got out twice in a similar way. Then I went over to meet him in the nets and I remember him saying that when we play in Asia, we force the ball to play the drive. Here, we don't need to do that. And we need to play close to the body,” revealed the Pak cricketer.