Pakistan favourites vs under pressure India: Gavaskar

'Hopefully Rohit and others know that, unlike many other left-arm pacers, Aamir has the ability to swing the ball back.'

Sunil Gavaskar picked Pakistan as favourites against India in the marquee match of the ICC World T20, to be played at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

India, the overwhelming favourites to win the title before the start of the mega event, were humbled by New Zealand in their opening match, while Pakistan pummeled Bangladesh in their opener.

"After the loss to New Zealand, India will be under far more pressure against Pakistan. I feel Pakistan start as favourites for the game on Saturday," Gavaskar told NDTV.

The former India captain said the highly-awaited match will be about Indian batting versus Pakistan's bowling as usual.

"It is still pretty much Indian batting versus Pakistan bowling. However, with the way Indian bowlers have performed recently, they also won't be easy to tackle either. (Ravichandran) Ashwin is bowling well and so is (Ashish) Nehra, ever since he has made a comeback. Then you have Jasprit Bumrah. So it will be a test for Pakistani batsman.

"Having said that, it only takes an over-and-half to turn the game around in T20."

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Aamir posed problems for India in the Asia Cup and Gavaskar hopes the Indian batsmen have learned how to face him early on.

"Hopefully Rohit (Sharma) and others know that, unlike many other left-arm pacers, Aamir has the ability to swing the ball back. Rohit and (Ajinkya) Rahane were found wanting against him in the Asia Cup. So they have to be careful for the first couple of overs, and once you are set there is always an opportunity to score," he added.

For the record, India have never lost to Pakistan in a world event, while Pakistan have never lost to the hosts at the iconic Eden Gardens.

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