Asia Cup 2018: Venkatesh Prasad Backs India to Defend the Trophy

Former India fast bowler, Venkatesh Prasad feels Men in Blue will win Asia Cup 2018, which begins on September 15, 2018 (Saturday) in the UAE.

India would face trouble against Pakistan

Rohit Sharma will lead the defending champions. However, India is ranked number two on the ICC rankings, and they have won Asia Cup title for the sixth time beating Bangladesh two years ago in the final.

“The Asia Cup begins on Saturday and the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team, the defending champions, will start favourites having won six of the 13 editions,” Venkatesh Prasad said.

Moreover, Venkatesh Prasad also added Pakistan won the Asia Cup title for two times. They beat India in the ICC Champions Trophy in the last year. However, they will try to take the home advantage this time in the Asia Cup 2018. Also, Pakistan also played most of their international matches in the UAE.

“Pakistan, two-time champions, who beat India to the ICC Champions Trophy crown last year, will look to cash in on the ‘home advantage’. In the last few years, they’ve played most of their international cricket in the UAE.” Prasad added.

Furthermore, Prasad who played 33 Tests and 161 ODIs for India, said the other two like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have to struggle with the bundle of injuries in their team.

However, Sri Lanka has just lost a one-day series against South Africa at their home ground, whereas, Bangladesh had won the series in the Windies. Venkatesh Prasad also said the fitness management would be a key factor for both the teams.

“The two other Asian teams — Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — have had to grapple with injuries in the lead-up to the event. Sri Lanka have just lost a One-day series to South Africa at home, while Bangladesh enter the fray on the back of a series win against West Indies. However, players and fitness management will be key factors for both teams,” Venkatesh Prasad added.

However, Venkatesh Prasad also said that Hong Kong will be the one team, everyone would like to see.

The newbies Hong Kong are grouped with India and Pakistan. Hong Kong had made their way in Asia Cup 2018 beating UAE in the qualifier match. They are representing themselves for the third time in the event. However, Hong Kong will be keen to put up a good show in the tournament.

“Thrown in amid the Asian power houses, one team which will look to make a mark is Hong Kong, who are pooled alongside India and Pakistan in Group A. Having flexed their muscles in the qualifying tournament, Hong Kong, who will make their third appearance in the event, having featured in the 2004 and 2008 editions, will be eager to cause a few upsets,” Prasad added.

Moreover, Prasad also said Afghanistan is making their second appearance in the Asia Cup. They are grouped with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They won a match against Bangladesh in the 2014 edition of Asia Cup.

After that Afghanistan also made their debut in Test cricket against India. Meanwhile, their batting line up not so strong but their spinning attack will surely help them.

“Afghanistan, who are clubbed with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Group B, will be making their second appearance in the tournament after 2014. Their biggest takeaway from their previous appearance is a win against Bangladesh. Since then, as a cricketing nation, they have made rapid strides which includes attaining their Test status. While batting remains their weak link, the spinners will surely be a handful,” Prasad added.” Prasad added.

Bangladesh will face off Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2018 on September 15, 2018 (Saturday).