Virat Kohli's absence will be an advantage for Pakistan, feels Ali
Islamabad, Sept 7 (IBNS): Hasan Ali, the Pakistan bowler, believed Virat Kohli’s absence during the upcoming Asia Cup, will give an advantage to his side during the upcoming match between the two arch-rivals.
India and Pakistan will face each other on Sept 19 in an Asia Cup group stage match.
This will be the first match between the two sides since they played int he final of the ICC Champions Trophy last year.
Pakistan had defeated India to clinch the trophy.
“Virat Kohli is a very good player. Everybody knows that he is a match-winner. But even if he isn’t there in the squad, India still have a very good team. They have many more players,” he was quoted as saying by ICC website.
“Yes, there is an advantage for us that the way Virat Kohli can handle pressure, someone else who comes in his place might not be able to," he said.
Hasan said Indian team are under pressure after their defeat in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy.
“We are on top right now. [India] are under pressure from the previous defeat," he said.
Ali, who has 68 wickets from 33 one-day internationals and is ranked No.3 on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers, felt he would thrive under pressure.
“I wish to take all 10 wickets rather than a five-for,” he said. “There is definitely pressure but I feel good when pressure mounts on me because that is when I try to perform.”
India selectors have give Kohli a break from playing the Asia Cup.
Rohit Sharma will lead the team in his absence.
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