#AsiaCup2018: India are better even without Kohli, says Pakistan's Sarfraz
What's the story
Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has said India have a great unit despite Virat Kohli missing out.
Kohli was rested by the selectors and in his absence, Rohit Sharma is leading the side in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018.
India and Pakistan face each other on Wednesday in an epic battle and Sarfraz feels that their rivals are equipped with quality players.
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Kohli's absence won't make any difference: Sarfraz
"No doubt he (Kohli) is their captain and a world-class batsman but I think they (India) have a good team even without Kohli," Sarfraz told media ahead of the crunch battle.
Sarfraz added that Virat's absence won't make huge difference.
"They have good players who have done well for India. So I don't think it will make much difference to India."
Encounter
Indian batsmen versus Pakistan bowlers on offer
Sarfraz knows the depth in batting, which India possess and feels that will set up an exciting battle.
"Their batting is very strong so I can say that it will be a good match."
Pakistan have a strong bowling unit with an array of quality pacers that boast of variety.
Once again, we will witness a key battle between bat and ball.
Middle order
Pakistan to target India's middle order
Pakistan will be targeting India's middle order which looks unsettled at the moment.
Therefore the onus will be on the openers to do well and lay a foundation for someone like MS Dhoni to carry it from there on.
It will not be easy against a side that has such a varied bowling attack.
Their bowlers will come hard and make life difficult.
Contest
Contest would be even as India keen to do well
The contest is expected to be an even one and the likes of Sourav Ganguly too opined on similar lines.
The last time the two sides met, Pakistan thrashed India to win the Champions Trophy.
Although the conditions are different, the intensity will be the same.
India know they cannot afford to set a foot wrong and underestimate this Pakistan side.