For the first time since their Champions Trophy defeat, Pakistan will play India. The last time Pakistan faced India in the T20I format was in the 2024 T20 World Cup, when the team included players like Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes that India’s lack of Virat Kohli could be Pakistan’s best opportunity in their Asia Cup clash. Speaking to local media, Misbah emphasized that if Pakistan manages to take early wickets, they could put India under significant pressure during the match at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14.
“Pakistan definitely have an opportunity here. If they (India) don’t get a good start and lose two wickets, then Virat Kohli isn’t there. Their batting is different too, and they haven’t played much against these bowlers, so Pakistan’s bowling also has an opportunity,” Misbah told Tapmad, a Pakistani channel.
“If you can create that gap from the top, then you’ll have a chance. But again, the key point is: Pakistan needs a good start,” he added.
After India won the T20 World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav took over as captain of the Indian squad after Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from the format.
India has assembled a potent batting lineup under Suryakumar Yadav that can score large innings totals. The Indian side has achieved totals of 297, 283 in the past 12 months, which is a significant departure from Kohli and Rohit’s era.
Since the T20 World Cup, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma have drawn attention and are hoping to maintain their supremacy in the continental competition.
