Ahead of the much-awaited third India vs Pakistan clash of the ongoing Asia Cup, one of India’s former ace spinners R Ashwin released a video on his YouTube channel where he presented his analysis of team India’s performance in the tournament this far. The electric final to be played tonight (September 28) marks the first Asia Cup final which will be played between the sport’s greatest rivals India and Pakistan after 1984.
In his video Ashwin responded to several reports about Pandya’s injury scare, Surya’s captaincy records and thwarted many concerns about India’s performance in the final. Responding to reports about Pandya’s injury, Ashwin said it would not be too worrisome a scenario if Pandya does not play as we have Arshdeep to take his place.
Both sides are expected to face each other in the final clash of the ongoing Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The much awaited fixture is scheduled to commence at 8:00 PM (IST) with the toss set to take place at 7:30 PM (IST).
What did R Ashwin say?
“There are reports about an injury scare for Hardik Pandya. Even if he doesn’t play the match, India wouldn’t be in too much of a pickle. But definitely play Arshdeep Singh in the XI. We really need to play him more and if Harshit is brought in, and he is going to alternate a fast ball with a slow ball every single time, he will be taken to the cleaners,” Ashwin said ahead of the game.
One of India’s most experienced bowlers urged India’s coach Gautam Gambhir to re-consider his previous decision of including Harshit Rana when selecting the line up for today’s playing XI.
“This strategy was effective in the IPL, but many would have tracked it down, and continuing that strategy is an amateur mistake. Instead of bringing in Harshit Rana at No 8 because he can be slightly effective with the bat, make the likes of Arshdeep and Kuldeep bat slightly more effectively, and have much more effective bowlers in the XI. Don’t even think of benching Arshdeep because it is just not funny anymore. I will completely be against a decision that doesn’t include Arshdeep in the XI,” Ashwin concluded.
Political tensions at an all-time high
India and Pakistan have already played each other twice along the way, with India winning both contests comfortably. However cricket was not the only thing on display in the previous games as the fixtures were overshadowed by controversies surrounding sportsmanship, a lack of handshakes, and provocative gestures that are rooted in the military conflict between the two nations earlier this year.
It’s clear Sunday’s final isn’t just another India vs Pakistan match. There are massive political undercurrents both sets of players have had to wade through which has created plenty of controversy.