IND Vs PAK: Ravichandran Ashwin Decodes Pakistan's Recent Success Before Asia Cup 2023 Tie

Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke on the upcoming Asia Cup and decoded Pakistan’s recent success in international cricket and said that all the credit goes to the Men in Green skipper, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that earlier the Men in Green used to struggle even though they had big tournaments like World Cup and Asia Cup.

The Indian spinner added that one of the main reason Pakistan have found success in recent times is because of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

“I used to envy looking at the Pakistan side. 5-6 years back, they used to struggle in big tournaments like Asia Cup and World Cup. Yes, of course, they have won big tournaments in the past. They have won the 1992 World Cup and delivered a consistent performance in the T20 World Cup. The main reason for the last 5-6 years’ rise can be attributed to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.

Ashwin further added that in the end, it all comes down to the depth of the squad and that the Men in Green have always produced excellent cricketers, especially bowlers.

The 36-year-old India spinner also talked about the number of Pakistani players drafted in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) and that their presence in other leagues is the main reason for re-emergence in the past five years.

“It all comes down to their squad depth. Pakistan have always produced extraordinary cricketers because of tape ball cricket, they have always had fast bowlers coming through their ranks. Their batting has been special in the late 90s and 2000s. But their exposure to different leagues has been a major reason for their re-emergence in the last 5-6 years. They have PSL. In the recent BBL drafts they were at least 60-70 Pakistan players,” Ashwin added.

Pakistan are not only producing world-class cricketers but these talents are only delivering in the big stages: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin stated that the Men in Green have been delivering high-quality players and are also delivering in other big stages.

The 36-year-old said that Pakistan will get an advantage in the Asia Cup 2023 since most of the matches will be played in Sri Lanka, and the Men in Green players are more accustomed to Sri Lankan conditions due to their presence in the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

“That’s why in the last 5-6 years, Pakistan are not only producing world-class cricketers but these talents are only delivering in the big stages. If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan gives consistent performances with the bat in the middle-order. This year’s Asia Cup’s most games will be played in Sri Lanka. Who else are more equipped for Sri Lankan conditions than Pakistan? Because almost all the foreigners in the Lanka Premier League are Pakistanis,” Ravichandran Ashwin further added.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan will start their Asia Cup 2023 journey against Nepal on Wednesday (August 30th) at Multan International Stadium. However, the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan will be played on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.