Former Indian team head coach, Ravi Shastri has picked India as the favourite for the blockbuster game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. The Rohit Sharma-led side will start their campaign against their arch-rivals in the Asia Cup this year, which is going to be hosted jointly by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Shastri spoke to the media before the game and predicted that the Indian side would win the game and said that the Indian team has the strongest side since 2011. He added that this time they have an experienced captain in Rohit Sharma, which will be a massive advantage for the side. Ravi Shastri was quick to admit that Pakistan is a good side, and over the years they have now narrowed the gap.
Pakistan are a very good side, so India have to be on top of your game: Ravi Shastri
“I would say India start as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players, and a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most. Having said that, Pakistan have narrowed the gap. Seven-eight years
‘But Pakistan have narrowed it down. They are a very good side, so you have to be on top of your game, “That’s what’s important, keeping calm and treating it as just another game. And not overhype it in your mind that makes you think differently,” he further added
Asia Cup 2023 started on August 30 as Pakistan won the opening game against Nepal in Multan. At the same time, Sri Lanka won the second game against Bangladesh. Now India will be playing against Pakistan on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This edition of the continental championship is organized in a 50-over format fixture considering the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, which is set to be organized in India on October 5.
Here is how fans reacted:
Ye pata to world cup me hi lagega
— Introvert //🙇🏻♂️ (@introvert_hu_ji) September 1, 2023
Nashe karo to shastri ji jaise....kuch pata na ho ki kya bol rhe?
— Vedant (@Laccha_paratha) September 1, 2023
2018-19 team was far stronger & stable
— Nahýan (@Media_Tak1) September 1, 2023
Kal pata chal jayega Bhai jab 30-3 honge
— Saurav (@saurav_viratian) September 1, 2023
Bro you were the coach for most of 2011-23. 🫡
— Febin (@febinvthomas) September 1, 2023
Did Shastri just took dig on Kohli’s captainship? But doesn’t that question his mentorship too 🙄
— Nahýan (@Media_Tak1) September 1, 2023
Ind should've won 2019 wc
— Bruh (@iamBruh18) September 1, 2023
That was the best side since 2011..
Whether it be bowling or batting everyone did well throughout the tournament..but then it all came crashing down in the semis..was extremely disappointed with the batting performance..and how come dk played semis🤦
2019 was way stronger than this
— Voldemort Sidheart 🚩 (@Sid73829358) September 1, 2023
Hadn't they made a issue about no.4 and Vijay Shankar
And just picked rayudu we would have won the world cup