The cricket world is buzzing with anticipation as Team India gears up for its next challenge, the Asia Cup 2023. Fresh from their successful tour of West Indies and Ireland, except the T20Is, the Indian cricket team is now set to face its arch-rivals, Pakistan, in what promises to be a high-voltage clash. As the teams prepare to lock horns in Kandy, Sri Lanka, cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness the unfolding drama on the field.

With the spotlight firmly on the Asia Cup, India has meticulously crafted a 17-member squad that combines seasoned players’ experience with the youth’s exuberance. The return of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli injects a new sense of vigour into the team. Additionally, the much-awaited comeback of Shreyas Iyer after a prolonged injury hiatus adds depth to the batting lineup. However, a minor setback is KL Rahul’s continued unavailability for the first two matches due to injury.

In the bowling department, India’s management can take solace in the progress of Jasprit Bumrah, the linchpin of their seam attack. Bumrah’s partnership with Mohammad Shami provides India with a formidable pace duo. Notably, Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, who marked his return following a recovery from injuries, showcased their prowess during the Ireland tour, making them crucial components of India’s Asia Cup strategy.

Salman Butt said, “If we look at India’s fast bowling, fitness is a concern. Players have been unfit for a long time, we don’t know if they are fragile, will they go full throttle. Apart from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, they have youngsters, who have played plenty of cricket but they don’t have that much of experience. India have won matches only when Rohit Sharma has played well or Virat Kohli has done something spectacular. When the onus is on others they have mostly struggled.”

While India’s preparations have been thorough, former Pakistan opener Salman Butt asserts that Pakistan holds a slight edge heading into the much-anticipated encounter. Butt’s analysis compares the two teams, focusing on critical areas of strength and potential vulnerabilities.

Butt’s assessment of India’s fast bowling raises concerns about fitness and experience. He highlights that apart from the seasoned duo of Kohli and Rohit, India’s batting order consists of relatively less experienced players. In contrast, Pakistan boasts a more established core group comprising Babar Azam, Rizwan, Fakhar, Shadab, Shaheen, and Haris Rauf. Butt contends that India’s victories have predominantly hinged on standout performances from Kohli and Rohit.

“Pakistan have Babar, Rizwan, Fakhar, Shadab, Shaheen, Haris Rauf. And in my opinion, Pakistan has a much larger core group. India, too, has match-winners like Jadeja, Shami, Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. But their batting is brittle, and if Pakistan picks the two big wickets, the others will have much to prove. They have not helped India win matches against Pakistan or in their own,” the ex-Pakistan cricketer said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

When evaluating the seam attacks, Butt asserts that Pakistan enjoys an “added advantage.” Pakistan’s bowlers can consistently bowl at 90mph, a skill that sets them apart. Butt also points out that Pakistan’s seam bowling resources are supplemented by a versatile spin attack and a fast-bowling all-rounder who can clock at 140kmph.

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Butt’s analysis extends to the psychological aspects of the game. He notes that the Indian team will likely face higher pressure due to the weight of expectations placed upon them. The anticipation surrounding India-Pakistan encounters is unparalleled, and despite players’ exposure to the Indian Premier League (IPL), Butt emphasizes that the intensity of an India-Pakistan clash remains unmatched.

“We have bowlers who can bowl at 90mph, only one or two can touch 90mph, others don’t have that much pace. This is an added advantage. We have both type of spinners, fast bowling all-rounder, and he too touches 140kmph. There are plenty of expectations from India, hence the pressure is more. And since India have not played against Pakistan for a long time for whatever reasons, their players no matter how much IPL they’ve played, they don’t have the experience of playing in such high-voltage clash. Chahe subah, dopahar, Sham Ipl Khel le (no matter how much you play in the IPL) it does not bring the same pressure, which is during India-Pakistan series,” he said.

As India and Pakistan brace for another chapter in their historic rivalry, the Asia Cup 2023 promises enthralling cricket action. While both teams possess strengths and areas to address, the clash between India’s youthful exuberance and Pakistan’s experienced core excites the contest. As the date approaches, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the spectacle set to unfold in Kandy.

The post “Chahe subah, dopahar, sham IPL khel le lekin…”: Former Pakistani Skipper Criticized Indian Team Before High Voltage Clash In Asia Cup 2023 appeared first on CricInformer.