Kohli's absence means Pakistan favorites against India, says Gavaskar
What's the story
Former Indian legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that Pakistan will go into the tie against India, today, as the favorites due to the absence of star player Virat Kohli. The two nations face each other in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018. Both teams won their match against Hong Kong. Gavaskar gave out his reasons why Pakistan can win the clash.
Advantage
Pakistan will go into the game with psychological advantage
Pakistan thrashed Hong Kong by eight wickets in their previous match, as India scraped past to avoid a shock defeat against the minnows. Further, Pakistan had defeated India by a mammoth 180 runs, the last time these two sides met in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Gavaskar cited that Pakistan will go into the game with a big psychological advantage.
Thoughts
Virat's absence is going to be crucial: Gavaskar
Speaking to Hindi TV channel Aaj Tak, Gavaskar pointed out that, "The previous game or the ball before... always stays at the back of your mind and that creates a touch of uncertainty in your mind." He said "And Virat's absence is going to be crucial as well." Kohli has been rested for the Asia Cup 2018 after a long tour of England.
Views
Manjrekar echoes on similar lines
Former India cricketer and television commentator Sanjay Manjrekar echoed the same thoughts and said, "Pakistan start as favourites because they have been playing in those conditions". The duo are somewhat right in their assessment. Pakistan have a strong record in the UAE and have played top class cricket here. Also Kohli's absence takes the shine away from the Indian team.
Pakistan
Pakistan to come hard at India
India and Pakistan have met each other 12 times in the Asia Cup and the former hold a 6-5 advantage. Pakistani bowlers will come hard at the Indian line-up, whose middle order look a bit depleted presently. A lot will depend on India's spinners and the opening batsmen need to lay a strong foundation. Pakistan will feel they have a real chance of winning.