Debasis Sen, Dubai: Pakistan top order batsman Babar Azam on Saturday said Indian team will miss the service of Virat Kohli in Asia Cup. The Indian captain will miss the ensuing Asia Cup tournament owing to a back spasm that has troubled him during the recently concluded test series in England.
According to the Pakistan batsman, “Virat’s (Kohli) absence will definitely affect the Indian team. He is a match winner. We will try and take full use of his absence.”
The Pakistani batsman went on to add, “ No real threat in Indian team. We are focussing on match by match. They are a good side too with the likes of Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.”
Babar is presently ranked second in One Day International after Virat Kohli. The Pakistan batsman now has 825 points. With Kohli missing the tournament, he will lose around 4.5 points per game. If India reaches final, Kohli’s ratings can drop to as low as 884. This leaves a gap of 59 points to bridge for Babar if Pakistan too reaches final. So, the Pakistan batsman who averages more than fifty in both ODI and T20I will have an opportunity to consolidate his position.
“Whenever I go into bat always have the self-belief and confidence. I look to build my innings and contribute for my team,” said a confident Azam.
Pakistan will go in the tournament as the firm favourites after India. The team under Sarfaraz Ahmed looks more stable and solid. And much of the credit will go to coach Micky Arthur.
On being asked about the role of Arthur, Babar said, “We have a good atmosphere in dressing room under Micky Arthur. We are a young side. he gives us confidence and give us the belief. Seniors mix with us in a good way.”
On being asked about the forthcoming match against India on September 19, Babar said, “No team is easy. We are not taking Hong Kong easily as well. The match against India will be interesting. They have a good team.”
The highlight of the Asia Cup remains a high-profile group match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India on Wednesday in Dubai. They have a rich tradition of playing in the neighbouring state of Sharjah, where their matches took place from 1984-2000, but have not toured the United Arab Emirates since 2006 when they played a two-match series in Abu Dhabi.
The Pakistan team sweated it out at the ICC academy in Dubai today. The team comprises of three left arm seamers in Junaid Khan, Usman Shinwari and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The last named bowler will be a real threat considering his height. Pak bowling coach Azhar Mahmood was seen having a long session with the three pacers.