IND Vs PAK: 'Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Being Dismissed Early Was The Best Thing That Happened To India' - Salman Butt Speaks On India-Pakistan Clash

Former Pakistan player, Salman Butt had an astonishing take on the high-voltage match of the Asia Cup 2023 between India and Pakistan on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Butt said that the dismissal of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli was the best thing that happened for India in the match.

In the first inning, India’s top batting order failed to shine in the match and struggled in front of the Pakistani fast bowlers. Shaheen Afridi dismissed both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the opening overs of the first inning.

However, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s solid partnership helped the Men in Blues to have a better position in the game and reach a target of 267 runs.

Ishan Kishan scored 82 runs from 81 balls with a strike rate of 101.23. On the other hand, Hardik Pandya played an 87-run knock from 90 balls with a strike rate of 96.67.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Salman Butt said that there is a lack of experience in the Indian team squad apart from a few players.

Salman Butt said that it was good that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli got bowled early which gave the youngsters a chance to lead the team to a good total.

“I was saying earlier that apart from 2-3 players, there’s a lack of experience when it comes to such intense pressure games (in Indian team). The best thing that happened to India today was that their main players (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) were dismissed early, and that their youngsters steered a comeback. They took them to a respectable total,” Salman Butt said.

Everyone was saying what would happen if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed early: Salman Butt

The former Pakistani player said that it would have been more interesting if the match was not cancelled.

“We can’t say that Pakistan would’ve easily chased the target. It would’ve been a thrilling finish. If India fielded and bowled well, it would’ve been very difficult for Pakistan. I would say India benefitted a lot from this game. Everyone was saying what would happen if Rohit and Kohli were dismissed early against this attack. So, this happened. They still scored close to 270 runs,” Butt added.

Rohit Sharma-led India will square off against Nepal in the fifth match of the Asia Cup on Monday (September 4th) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.