"Wasim Akram would hate it": Sanjay Manjrekar warns India of Pakistan’s spin-centric tactics ahead of Asia Cup clash

Sanjay Manjrekar has issued a warning to the Indian batters ahead of the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan in Dubai. Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted Pakistan’s spin-heavy approach as a potential challenge, as the UAE pitches favor spin over pace.

Pakistan has been traditionally known for relying on their fearsome fast bowlers, but they have shifted gears under the new head coach, Mike Hesson. The Men in Green opted for a spin-dominated attack suited to the spin-friendly UAE pitches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Indian batters face fresh test as Pakistan banks on spinners in Asia Cup 2025

Their plan paid off against Oman in their tournament opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where four specialist spinners ran through the batting lineup, with Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem picking up two wickets each to guide Pakistan to a 93-run victory.

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Faheem Ashraf also scalped two wickets against Oman. On the other hand, India made light work of the UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, bowling them out for just 57 runs. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with four wickets, while Shivam Dube scalped three more in Dubai.

Chasing a paltry target of 58, the Men in Blue cruised to 60/1 in just 4.3 overs, with Abhishek Sharma scoring a quickfire 30 off 16 balls. Now, both India and Pakistan are gearing up to revive their rivalry on Sunday, and Sanjay Manjrekar dragged legendary bowler Wasim Akram into the matter.

Maybe Wasim Akram would hate it: Sanjay Manjrekar

He was really impressed by Pakistan’s heavy reliance on spin in the early part of their innings against Oman. He pointed out that almost all of the first six to eight overs were bowled by spinners, with only two overs delivered by pace bowlers, making it a unique challenge for the batters.

Manjrekar believes that the current Pakistan team’s spin-centric attack could give India a completely different challenge in the Asia Cup 2025 encounter, but this could hurt the legendary Wasim Akram. The commentator believes that minimal pace and heavy spin may test the batters’ adaptability.

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Sanjay Manjrekar said on Sony Sports Network, “I like this bowling combination because it’s India vs Pakistan, and I feel this attack might give the Indian batters something different to think about. They’ve played Pakistan in world events before, but usually against a certain kind of attack. This is completely different—hardly any pace on show—and maybe Wasim Akram would hate it.”

Sanjay Manjrekar hails Pakistan’s spin tactics, says batters must step up against India

The former Indian batter has further highlighted how Saim Ayub has become a key part of Mike Hesson’s strategy with the ball as he hailed Pakistan’s fresh approach to the game. However, the cricket pandit felt the Pakistani batters must step up against India’s fearsome bowling attack.

Manjrekar signed off by saying, “Batting will need a little improvement against India, but credit to Mike Hesson for making the most of the resources he has. Saim Ayub has hardly bowled for Pakistan in the past, but under Hesson, he’s bowled in almost 90% of the innings. This shows a new approach, and that’s exciting because it’s refreshing to see Pakistan try something different.”