Asia Cup 2018: Yasir Arafat Feels Absence of Virat Kohli in Team India Boosts Pakistan

Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat has stated that Team India is a vulnerable side sans the presence of their skipper Virat Kohli. There is no doubt about the fact that Kohli is the greatest batsmen of the modern generation. The way he keeps scoring runs against all the countries and in all conditions goes onto prove his greatness. He will not be the part of India’s Asia Cup 2018 competition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In his relatively brief career of 10 years, Kohli has already smashed 58 international centuries with nearly 20,000 international runs.

The Indian skipper Kohli has been left out of the Asia Cup campaign. He has been playing non-stop cricket. Hence the Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to manage his workload by resting him from the tournament.

Opening batsman Rohit Sharma will be leading the national side in his absence. The former Pakistan speedster Arafat said it is no secret that Kohli gives a mental strength to India.

Batting star Kohli has the potential of making things happen. But there is no doubt about the fact that he is one of the biggest match-winners the country has seen.

India will feel the absence of Virat Kohli says, Yasir Arafat

“So, with his absence from the squad, Pakistan will be breathing a sigh of relief that a player who absorbs most of the pressure for his team is not included in the line-up. But there is no doubt that India has some excellent players who are match-winners in their own right,” Arafat said.

“The conditions in the UAE will suit India as well, and they have some very able spinners in their squad. Most of their players are also very experienced. But all said and done, it would be fair to say that the Indian side will be weaker without the presence of Virat Kohli,” said the 36-year-old.

Also, Pakistan will meet India on 19^th September, and all eyes will be on the big clash. In addition, the Men in Green will have a psychological advantage over India especially given the fact that they defeated India in the grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy in England, last year.

“As for Pakistan, the 19th September encounter between the two rivals will definitely be a pressure-filled affair. Of course, Pakistan will be looking to put to good use the psychological advantage they gained by emphatically defeating India in the Champions Trophy final,” he said.

“All in all, this will be a fantastic game for a full house to watch and something memorable for the players as well,” Arafat added.

While shedding light on Asia Cup 2018, Yasir Arafat has featured in the World T20 leagues across the globe after spending quality time in the English county cricket.