Asia Cup 2022: There Is No Need To Be Afraid Of Shaheen Afridi: Danish Kaneria Says Of India's Top Three Facing Pakistan's Star

Danish Kaneria, a former leg-spinner for Pakistan, thinks that the top three of Team India—Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli—are too refined to not be ready for Pakistan’s left-arm pace Shaheen Afridi at the next Asia Cup.

When the two nations faced off at the T20 World Cup in Dubai the previous year, the youthful bowler had dismissed the star-studded three. On August 28, India and Pakistan will face off at the same location in the Asia Cup.

The matchup between Afridi and the top three Indian players may be exciting. Danish Kaneria detailed how the Men in Blue could contain Afridi in a video posted to his YouTube page. Danish Kaneria stated:

“Shaheen Afridi should not be feared since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are both elite batsmen. They only need to be conscious of Shaheen’s intention to bowl more fully and induce a swing into them.”

“They should be ready to negotiate it with the bat by playing closer to the body rather than commit with their leg. Against Shaheen’s bowling, Suryakumar Yadav’s flick strokes over square leg would be crucial.”

‘This Asia Cup is crucial for Dinesh Karthik’: Danish Kaneria

For the seasoned Dinesh Karthik, who hopes to compete in the T20 World Cup in three months, Danish Kaneria believes the Asia Cup will be a make-or-break event.

“Dinesh Karthik will not likely play again after the T20 World Cup, in my opinion. He needs to win the Asia Cup to guarantee his inclusion in the T20 World Cup roster.”

“Many people will be watching his form, fitness level, and how he finishes games. Even if DK does well in the Asia Cup, India also has other powerful hitters like Hardik Pandya, therefore this will be his final T20 World Cup.”

The Men in Blue will begin its Asia Cup campaign with the high-octane clash against Pakistan.

Also Read: “We Want To Make Sure That India’s Future Is In Safe Hands”- Rohit Sharma