Asia Cup 2018: India is better side even without Virat Kohli - Sarfraz Ahmed

Updated - 10 Jan 2019, 12:14 AM

Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan
Sarfraz Ahmed (Credits - AFP)

From the day, BCCI announced the Indian squad without Virat Kohli, it was a regular buzz in the cricketing world. With the game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2018 nears, all the expert’s first word is the rested skipper Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed feels India is still a better side.

Sarfraz Ahmed quoted that Virat Kohli’s absence won’t make a massive impact on the Indian team. He added that the team India has got the players who can seal the deal for the team on their day.

No doubt, Virat Kohli is a world-class batsman – Sarfraz Ahmed

The successful skipper of Pakistan went on to add saying that the Indian team got the players who have done enormously well in the recent past and would be gearing up for the upcoming clash as well.

Virat Kohli, India, Asia Cup 2018
Virat Kohli rested from India squad. (REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui)

Speaking of the Champions Trophy win, he added that they don’t want to keep it in their mind. He feels that the conditions and the atmosphere were different in England and this time, it is in UAE and they want to come up with a new set of gameplans.

”No doubt he (Kohli) is their captain and a world-class batsman but I think they (India) have a good team even without Kohli. They have good players who have done well for India. So I don’t think it will make much difference to India. Their batting is very strong so I can say that it will be a good match,” the Pakistan captain said.

Pakistan Cricket Team, Asia Cup 2018, Sarfraz Ahmed
Pakistan beat India in the finale of the Champions Trophy 2017. Image Courtesy: Getty

“We will not take that Champions Trophy win in our minds. That was a different atmosphere (in London) and conditions. It was a year ago so that’s history so we will enter the ground with a new strategy and passion,” he added.

India vs Pakistan on September 19th:

The clash between the arch-rivals is set to take place on September 19th at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan has got enough rest and on confidence. Meanwhile, Indians have to play the back-to-back games and without their consistent performer, Virat Kohli.

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India National Cricket Team Pakistan national cricket team Sarfraz Ahmed Virat Kohli