Media365
Suryakumar Yadav (Agency Image)
Bazid Khan, the former Pakistan cricketer, speaking on PTV Sports, analysed India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which will be played without two of their biggest icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He acknowledged the overall quality of the team but pointed out the gaps that their absence creates. “Look, all these players are high-class. There isn’t anyone here you would say is not of that calibre. But the high intensity that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma brought to the game, that is something India will surely miss,” Bazid said. He also spoke about Suryakumar Yadav’s record against Pakistan. “Suryakumar scores runs against almost everyone but somehow against Pakistan he hasn’t been effective. Whether it is the pace attack or some other reason, it remains an issue.”India’s squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Poll
Who do you think should step up in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?
Bazid further highlighted another key concern for India — the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. “People talk about Virat and Rohit, but Jadeja was someone who really helped the team gel together. Axar Patel is there, but Jadeja gave you balance as a batter, as a bowler, and above all, his fielding. In world cricket, Jadeja was among the top one or two fielders.” With the Asia Cup approaching, Bazid believes India will need to find the right combination to make up for these missing pillars. The challenge lies in not just filling the gaps but ensuring the side retains its edge in high-pressure contests.
