Nothing in cricket stirs emotions like an India vs Pakistan showdown. The history, the politics, the fanfare… it’s always been more than just a game. But if Ravi Shastri’s recent remarks are anything to go by, the crown for cricket’s fiercest rivalry may have shifted.

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast with Michael Vaughan, Shastri dropped a bold take: India vs Australia has overtaken India vs Pakistan as the sport’s most competitive modern-day rivalry.

“In the years I played, it was definitely India-Pakistan,” Shastri reflected. “The global attention it draws is massive.” And he’s right, whether it’s an ICC tournament or the Asia Cup, this clash still breaks viewership records and fills stadiums.

From emotional spectacle to cricketing theatre

Shastri, who’s seen both sides as a player and a coach, was quick to acknowledge the unique intensity of India-Pakistan matches. In fact, he even ranked it above the Ashes in terms of excitement and global buzz.

Yet, he pointed out a crucial shift that the rivalry with Australia has grown teeth.

“In the last 10 years, India-Australia has taken over,” he said. “In pure cricketing terms, India, Australia, and England have had some fantastic series.” And it’s hard to argue with that.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has delivered edge-of-the-seat drama, incredible comebacks, and performances that have become instant classics.

Just look at the 2024 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, a staggering 373,691 fans turned up across five days, breaking a record that had stood since the era of Don Bradman.

Rivalry redefined by the format

Here’s the thing: India and Pakistan haven’t played a Test match since 2007-08, and their last bilateral series happened more than a decade ago in 2012-13. The political tensions mean the two sides only meet in tournaments, reducing the frequency and variety of their encounters.

Meanwhile, India and Australia have battled across formats, in every condition, with full-strength squads. There’s mutual respect, sure, but also no love lost on the field. From Kohli vs Smith to Bumrah vs Warner, the battles have been world-class.

What fans really want?

For fans, it’s not just about the flags or the hype. It’s about watching top-quality cricket. While India-Pakistan still delivers on emotion, the India-Australia rivalry thrives on cricketing excellence. It’s fast becoming the clash that defines an era.

That said, the India-Pakistan chapter is far from closed. With each tournament, it returns like a festival, brief, intense and unforgettable. Broadcasters pray for it. Fans live for it.

But if you’re judging by cricketing consistency, series intensity, and sheer competitiveness, Ravi Shastri might just be spot on.

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