Misbah: Pakistan's Asia Cup Hopes Soar with Kohli's Absence in India Lineup

Pakistan are facing India for the first time since their loss in the Champions Trophy. In the T20I format, Pakistan last played India in the T20 World Cup 2024, when the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja were in the team's line-up.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes that not having the mental block of Virat Kohli is perhaps Pakistan's best chance in the Asia Cup encounter against India. Speaking to the local media, Misbah has said that if Pakistan can pick up early wickets, they might be able to put India in a lot of trouble in the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14.

“Pakistan definitely have an opportunity here. If they (India) don’t get a good start and lose two wickets, then Virat Kohli isn’t there. Their batting is different too, and they haven’t played much against these bowlers, so Pakistan’s bowling also has an opportunity," Misbah told Tapmad, a Pakistani channel.

"If you can create that gap from the top, then you’ll have a chance. But again, the key point is: Pakistan needs a good start,” he added.

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Since the departure of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, since India's T20 World Cup win, the Indian team has been taken over by Suryakumar Yadav.

Under Suryakumar Yadav, India have amassed a destructive batting line-up, capable of hitting high innings totals. The Indian team in the last 12 months has hit totals of 297, 283, a clear deviation from the time of Kohli and Rohit.

Also Read: Cancel it? No. Pakistan needs cricket beatings from India

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have been in focus since the T20 World Cup and would like to continue their dominance in the continental tournament.