Sunil Gavaskar alerts Team India about an underestimated Pakistani player. Find out who poses a hidden threat in the upcoming clash.
Team India is gearing up for an eagerly awaited face-off against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage this Sunday. The two cricketing giants had previously met in the group stage, but the match was called off due to rain in Pallekele. Despite scoring a total of 266 runs, India's top-order failure left the team management with significant concerns. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed by Pakistan's left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, putting India in a precarious position at 66/4.
The Resilient Innings: Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan's Contributions
India managed to recover from the early setbacks, thanks to Hardik Pandya's robust innings of 87 runs and Ishan Kishan's commendable 82. Among Pakistan's bowlers, Shaheen Afridi stood out with impressive figures of 4/35. However, Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain, has advised Team India to be cautious of another emerging threat from the Pakistani side.
The Underestimated Threat: Naseem Shah's Performance
Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the potential threat posed by Pakistan's right-arm pacer Naseem Shah. Gavaskar noted that Shah's opening spell was exceptional, particularly his lethal out-swingers that troubled the Indian batsmen. "If you looked at those 10 overs, you must have noticed the way Naseem Shah bowled. His out-swingers were brilliant, playing him was pretty difficult," Gavaskar said during a joint broadcast with Sports Tak and Samaa TV.
Shubman Gill's Struggles and Responsibilities
Gavaskar further elaborated on the challenges faced by Indian batsman Shubman Gill, who was primarily facing Naseem Shah. "Shubman isn't in the best form right now, so he knows he has to take responsibility. Naseem Shah kept Shubman Gill quiet," Gavaskar added.
Weather Concerns: Rain Could Play Spoilsport Again
The upcoming India vs Pakistan match faces a high risk of rain interruption. The Asian Cricket Council has designated a reserve day for this high-profile encounter, a privilege not extended to any other Super 4 match. However, weather forecasts suggest that rain could also disrupt play on the reserve day.
By taking into account these various factors, Team India will need to strategize carefully for the upcoming clash against Pakistan, keeping an eye not just on the star players but also the emerging talents and the unpredictable weather.