India without Kohli leaves a little bit of a hole, Younis says
Former Pakistan captain and coach assesses chances of both teams ahead of today’s clash
Former Pakistan captain and coach Waqar Younis has played a pivotal role in many of Pakistan’s victories over India through his deadly pace bowling.
In an interview with Gulf News, he spoke not only about his team but also the Indian team and excitement over the India-Pakistan clash today.
When asked about the Indian team and absence of Virat Kohli, he said: “India without Virat Kohli, that might leave a little bit of a hole. India would have had an edge if Kohli was there, because his presence makes a massive difference.”
He said Kohli’s absence would give a psychological advantage to Pakistan.
“Pakistan will feel good about it,” he said “In the past, whenever India have played Pakistan, Kohli has been pretty good. I remember the 2015 World Cup he took the game away from us.
“He is a match winner so, minus him, it is going to make at least Pakistan think that they can beat India more comfortably.”
Pakistan fitness
Younis feels that Pakistan’s confidence is also high especially after winning the Champions Trophy.
“Pakistan have been working very hard especially the Oneday team, which has improved a lot,” he said, adding a number of new faces had come in over the last 18 months.
“Fitness is really good. They have been to the Army camp once again just before coming here for the Asia Cup. I think that will help and they look really a very good unit at the moment.
“After winning the Champions Trophy, the belief has come in. In the past Pakistan have played as an underdog against India and this is probably the first time where we feel there is an opportunity to beat India on more than one occasion.”
So can one witness a battle between Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir and Indian opener and captain Rohit Sharma? “Normally in the past we have seen Amir versus Kohli but, with Kohli not there, things will be different,” Waqar said.
“I feel India’s opener K.L. Rahul is a very good batsman. He is technically very sound and I saw him get a hundred recently. He looks a complete player. He might make the difference.”
Younis urged the hosting of more India-Pakistan matches.
“We are all very excited about and India-Pakistan contest purely because we do not play enough cricket against each other,” he said.
Younis feels that Pakistan’s confidence is also high especially after winning the Champions Trophy.