Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a scathing critique of Pakistan's batting performance against India in the Asia Cup 2025, highlighting what he perceives as a significant gulf in class and tactical awareness between the two sides. India convincingly defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the recent T20 clash. Ashwin's analysis, shared on his YouTube channel, dissected Pakistan's flawed approach and questioned the quality of their batting lineup, with the exception of Saim Ayub.
Ashwin contrasted the approaches of Indian and Pakistani batsmen, pointing to Abhishek Sharma's aggressive use of his feet against Shaheen Shah Afridi versus Mohammad Haris's ill-fated attempt to heave Jasprit Bumrah across the line. He emphasized that such a shot against a world-class bowler like Bumrah was unacceptable, stating, "This is not the Oman team". He implied that Pakistan's batsmen underestimated Bumrah. Ashwin felt that Pakistan lacked the technical and strategic depth to challenge India effectively.
He argued that the current Indian T20 team is arguably the strongest it has ever fielded, making comparisons with Pakistan unfair. He noted the difference in exposure and experience, particularly the pressure-cooker environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which hones the skills and temperament of Indian players. According to Ashwin, players like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma have been forged in constant IPL pressure, while most Pakistan players lack this experience. He believes that Pakistan's players, while potentially successful in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), don't gain the same experience in high-pressure matches against world-class opponents.
Ashwin also pointed out Pakistan's struggles against India's spin attack, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy proving difficult to read. He stated that Pakistan's batsmen couldn't read Kuldeep or Varun until Shaheen Afridi came to bat. He also criticized Pakistan's spin bowling unit, suggesting they are not up to the standard of Indian spinners even at the first-class level. According to Ashwin, Salman Ali Agha was all at sea against Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
While acknowledging Saim Ayub as a standout performer for Pakistan, Ashwin believes that the team, overall, lacks the class and strategic depth to consistently challenge India. He lauded Ayub for claiming the wickets of Shubman Gill and Tilak Verma. He felt that only Saim Ayub really showed temperament. Ashwin's analysis extends beyond individual performances, highlighting India's superior strategy and game awareness. He suggests that future contests between India and Sri Lanka might be more competitive.
Overall, Ashwin's assessment paints a picture of a Pakistan team lacking the necessary skills, experience, and tactical acumen to compete with a dominant Indian side. He emphasizes the importance of exposure to high-pressure situations, which Indian players gain through the IPL, and suggests that Pakistan needs to address these shortcomings to bridge the gap.
