Asia Cup 2022 LIVE – India vs Pakistan LIVE: Shastri Wasim Unplugged ASIA CUP: Ravi Shastri and Wasim Akram are two of the many commentators for the Asia Cup. The famous Shaz and Waz pairing made some interesting observations and comments on the Asia Cup, which starts from August 27. They opened up on various topics, including Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam, India vs Pakistan clashes, who is the favourite for the Asia title, T20 World Cup among many other questions on Tuesday. Follow Asia Cup Cricket live updates with InsideSport.IN
The two were involved in a presser organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Asia Cup 2022. The session was moderated by Mayanti Langer. Excerpts.
Wasim Akram on if Pakistan have tails up after their WC T20 win last year
Pakistan team is on the rise for the last couple of years. They have been consistent. The win against India in T20 WC, last year, though a year ago, against India, gave them confidence. Pakistan is a young side, and the only thing I am worried about is the middle order, which is n experienced. Skipper Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan is the key. In general, Pakistan is confident depend on how they feel, and their mindset ahead of the Indo-Pak game. That game is going to make or break Asia Cup for either side.
Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli’s vacation and coming back to Indian team
Big players wake up. They need a break. Mental fatigue can creep in to best in the world. There is not a single player in world cricket who has not gone through a bad phase in cricket. I am sure this time was not for body, he would have reflected on things he could have done better. What things he did right and focus on that. All these things come into play. You get an opportunity to decide what is the best course of action when you get into the park – be it shot selection or how you plan. It is when to shift gears in T20 cricket. Should I give myself more time or not. Now, it is the time to execute the plans with a calmer mind. Now what you do is going to set the tone. He gets a 50 in first game, mouths will be shut.
Wasim Akram on Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam
The comparison between Babar and Khli is natural. Earlier, there was Inzy vs Rahul/Sachin. There was Javed Miandad and Sunny Gasvaskar. Gundappa Vishwanath vs Zaheer Abbas. Babar has been consistent in all the three formats because he has got all the correct technique. He enjoys his batting and is always hungry for runs. But when you talk about Babar and Kohli comparison, it is too early for me, Babar is on right track. But comparing him to Kohli at this stage is too early.
Ravi Shastri on importance of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah
Hardik Pandya is one of the most important cog in the wheel as far as India is concerned. You take him out, and the balance goes awry. That is how important he is. We missed him in the WC when he could not bowl. It makes massive difference. There is no one close to him when it comes to the quality he posses at that number. He is an extremely important player and has to be watched closely. And with the number of matches coming up, Hardik is the last player you want to play all those matches. The bilateral and everything before the world Cup. The two players crucial are Bumrah and Hardik. They have to be observed very carefully. They cannot break down before WC.
Wasim Akram on most dangerous Indian batter
Suryakumar Yadav special in the run chase. pic.twitter.com/TkFcUPsAX9
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 3, 2022
When it comes to Indian players, you have Kohli, Rahul, Rohit. But, one of my fav players shorter format is Suryakumar Yadav. I saw him for the first time in KKR. The kind of shots he plays is unusual. Since he made it to the Indian team, he has been a treat to watch. I think he is a very dangerous player against both spin and pace after he gets in. And he is 360 degree player. In my opinion, he is the most dangerous player not just against Pakistan, against any team.
Ravi Shastri on favourites for Asia Cup
It is going to be one hell of a tournament. We have talked about India and Pakistan, but it is a vert strong Asia now. In these conditions, you lose an important toss …..and don’t discount teams like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh. They have played good cricket and have beaten good teams in recent years. They are comfortable in this format. What excites me is this could be the strongest Asia Cup since it started. The gap has closed up so much. Any team can beat any team on a day. India and Pakistan will be favourites.
Wasim Akram on Kohli’s criticism
Whatever I have seen from Kohli fans on social media, having a go at him unnecessarily. He is 33. He is one of the greatest of all time. Still fit as a fiddle. Class is forever, and that is Virat Kohli. He will come back. I hope he does not come back against Pakistan.
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