IND vs PAK: Virat Kohli Is The X-factor; To Win Asia Cup 2022 It's Important For Him To Perform – Laxmi Ratan Shukla

The head coach of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and former India National Cricket Team player, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, has said that the modern-day batting great Virat Kohli is India’s “X-factor” in Asia Cup 2022 and he needs to perform well to help India win the championship.

In the second match of the Asia Cup, Rohit Sharma-led India National Cricket Team will take on Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, August 28.

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Speaking ahead of the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash, Laxmi Ratan Shukla shared his thoughts on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium surface and said that the battle between the arch-rivals is going to be a high-scoring encounter.

“According to me, the Indian team is the best. I don’t think the toss will play a major factor because the wicket will be fresh now, but winning the toss will play a major role in maintaining the positivity,” Laxmi Ratan Shukla told ANI.

“There has not been an international match in Dubai for the last few months, so the result of this wicket will be fresh. Not much can be seen for bowlers but can be good for batting on this pitch. 300 runs are common in 50 overs, even in today’s T20I, 300 runs can be a score in the 20 overs. The match between India and Pakistan can go up to 180, 190 or 220, 230. If Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play big knocks, then the figure above two hundred and fifty can be crossed,” he added.

To win the tournament it is very important for Virat Kohli to play – Laxmi Ratan Shukla

The head coach of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) Laxmi Ratan Shukla said that a complete team effort will be required for Team India to win the multi-nation tournament. He also said that to win the mega event Kohli will have to contribute good runs with the bat.

“We will win Asia Cup if everyone will play together and win this tournament. Virat Kohli is the X-factor in this tournament. To win the tournament it is very important for Virat Kohli to play,” he said.

While talking about Team Pakistan, Shukla said that they have got a balanced side, but the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who got ruled out of the tournament due to a knee ligament injury, is a major setback.

“If we were talking about Pakistan, they have a balanced side, Babar is playing well, Shaheen Afridi is not, it is a minus point for Pakistan, but the batting order of Pakistan is not very deep, it is only four-five players on them the way. See India’s 8-9 number can bat well compared to Pakistan. And this will play as a huge advantage for India,” he added.

The 41-year-old also talked about the dressing room environment ahead of the India-Pakistan matches.

“If you talk about dressing room in India versus Pakistan match there was an atmosphere of laughter in the dressing room, I get to see a different view on the field, but the view outside the field was also very exciting. The atmosphere in the dressing room also plays a big part in winning the game.”

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Virat Kohli Looked In Good Touch In The Nets – Rohit Sharma

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