Asia Cup 2018: India is Capable to Win Without Virat Kohli - Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes India is capable to win without the services of their full-time skipper Virat Kohli. India’s talisman has been instrumental in the success of the team in all the three forms of the game. Kohli has scored a truckload of runs for India and plays a key part in the batting order. Meanwhile, there is no denying the fact that it is going to be hard for India to fill in the big shoes of Virat Kohli.

On the other hand, India was pushed to the limits by Hong Kong in their opening match. Thus, they are going to be a tired side as they will be playing back to back matches.

However, it is crucial for India to tick the right boxes against Pakistan. Men in Green are more familiar with the conditions as well as the pitches as they play most of their cricket in the UAE.

Shahid Afridi said while talking to ABP news, “There is not much difference between the two sides. From the beginning, India has been a strong batting unit. Therefore, Virat Kohli’s absence will not make much of a difference”.

Meanwhile, Boom Boom Afridi believes Kohli’s absence could create a psychological impact on both sides.

Shahid Afridi went on to add, “Kohli’s absence could create a psychological impact on both sides. This would be beneficial for Pakistan team. However, the Indian team has some brilliant players on the field except Virat Kohli. There are going to be hot conditions in Dubai. Thus, the team batting first will hold the advantage baton. Consequently, the toss will play an important role”.

It is going to be an exciting contest between the two arch-rivals. India must be a bit tired after their match against Hong Kong whereas Pakistan will have fresh legs on the field.

India will look to tick the right boxes. There are some changes expected to the Indian line-up. Jasprit Bumrah will come back in place of Shadul Thakur.