The former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq believes that the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan would find the Men In Green as favorites due to Virat Kohli’s absence from the Indian T20I lineup.
India are featuring in the Asia Cup 2025 as the T20 World Cup Champions and the defending champions of the Asia Cup after having won it during the 2023 edition. They have been considered as the favourites; however, they will miss the services of greats like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
“Pakistan have an opportunity here,” Misbah-ul-Haq
Former Pakistan player Misbah-ul-Haq has said that the Salman Agha-led side can take advantage of Virat Kohli’s absence in the Indian team.
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“Pakistan definitely has 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 Pakistani media channel Tapmad
“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.
India made a strong start to their Asia Cup 2025
India, after an immense debate around their participation in the Asia Cup 2025, went on to start their campaign against the unofficial hosts, the United Arab Emirates. The first game not only marked India’s win but also saw their level of domination against a minnow team.
The likes of Kuldeep Yadav, the seasoned spinner who returned for India, and the part-time all-rounder Shivam Dube went on to amaze all with their startling performances. Kuldeep picked 4/7 and Dube ended up picking 3/4, as the UAE were bowled out for 57 runs.
Abhishek Sharma opened alongside Shubman Gill as he returned to the side after a long break. They founded an opening partnership, while the chase was over within just 4.3 overs, which helped their run rate soar high.
India’s dominance in T20s in the post-Kohli era
Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has played in T20I cricket for over a decade and retired from the format back in 2024, after India’s triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup. This call for retirement marked a void in the No. 3 position.
After Kohli’s retirement, India have reshaped their core team and has revamped their batting core, with the few names emerging as Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
Since the retirement announcement by Virat Kohli, India have played four T20I bilaterals against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, and lastly against England. They have played a total of 15 T20 internationals, and have lost just 2 games, while winning every series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and England, as well as South Africa.
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