As the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan approaches on September 14th, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has stirred the pot by declaring that even India's "B team" is capable of defeating the current Pakistan side. Wassan's bold statement comes in the wake of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement from T20Is after India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory, leading some to believe that their absence would weaken the team. However, Wassan dismisses these concerns, stating that the "king is dead, long live the king," suggesting that new superstars have emerged to fill their shoes.
Wassan, who was a part of India's Asia Cup winning team in 1990-91, emphasized how the dynamics between the two teams have shifted over the years. He noted that during his time, Pakistan was considered the stronger side, but now the tables have turned. "India's B team will also beat this Pakistan team because things have changed," Wassan said. "When we played in the 90s, they were a very good side. Now the boot is on the other foot". He added that he wouldn't miss Rohit and Virat, because then he would start missing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev too.
Piyush Chawla, another former Indian leg-spinner, echoed Wassan's sentiment, asserting that the current Indian team is not in a state of transition despite the retirement of Kohli and Sharma. He highlighted the team's impressive performance in T20Is since their departure, attributing their success to the experience gained by young players in high-pressure tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL). "If you look at the current Indian team, the number of games that they have won post the Rohit and Kohli era in T20 cricket, they are doing a wonderful job," Chawla stated.
India enters the Asia Cup 2025 clash with Pakistan on the back of a dominant nine-wicket victory against the UAE. The Men in Blue bowled out the UAE for a mere 57 runs and chased down the target in just 4.2 overs, showcasing their formidable form. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian side, with Shubman Gill as his deputy.
The absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the T20I format has paved the way for new talents to shine. Players like Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have the opportunity to prove their mettle and establish themselves as key members of the Indian team. The abundance of talent has created a selection dilemma for the BCCI, as they grapple with the challenge of keeping everyone in the mix.
Meanwhile, the India-Pakistan encounter is always a high-stakes affair, filled with drama and intensity. This year's match carries even more significance due to the strained political relations between the two nations. An appeal to cancel the match was even filed with the Supreme Court, citing concerns about terrorism and the morale of the armed forces, but the plea was denied. Despite the controversies, cricket enthusiasts in both countries eagerly anticipate the clash, with many resorting to lucky charms and rituals to ensure their team's victory.
As the two arch-rivals prepare to face off at the Dubai International Stadium, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. Whether India's "B team" can truly defeat Pakistan remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the match will be a captivating spectacle that transcends the boundaries of sport.
