Ex-Pakistan captain fires salvo at India ahead of IND vs PAK in Asia Cup, brings in Kohli factor; ‘they haven’t played…’

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq brought in the Virat Kohli factor while firing a warning to India ahead of their much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai on Sunday (September 14). India are without Kohli (retired from T20Is in 2024) in the Asia Cup 2025, and that makes the opposition batting line-up less daunting, according to Misbah.

“Pakistan definitely have an opportunity here,” Misbah, who was the captain when Pakistan to India in the final of the T20 World Cup in 2007, told Tapmad. The 51-year-old felt if Pakistan can strike a couple of Indian wickets in the powerplay and keep the flow of runs in check, it will give the Men in Green a great chance to win the game.

“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,” added Misbah.

The right-hander also pointed out that Pakistan need a good start irrespective of what they do at first – ball or bat. “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,” said Misbah.

India might not have Virat in their line-up, but the likes of Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya have the ability to destroy any opposition bowling attack in the world. Interestingly, all the above mentioned Indian players have scored a hundred in the shortest format baring Pandya.

India, Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 so far

Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan are coming into the game after statement wins in their respective campaign openers. India started their campaign with a clinical nine-wicket win after bundling out UAE for just 57 runs, thanks to Kuldeep Yadav’s 4/7. India romped home in 4.3 overs.

As far as Pakistan are concerned, the Men in Green defeated Oman by 93 runs. Batting first, Pakistan posted 160/7 in their 20 overs. In reply, Oman were all out for 67.