Asia Cup is not just between India-Pakistan, can't count out other teams: Rohit Sharma

India skipper Rohit Sharma made a rather straightforward response to query ahead of the high-voltage clash against Pakistan. Notably, team India and Pakistan will square off at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday, September 2.

Ahead of the thrilling affair, Rohit stated that all the participants of the Continental Cup will be equally important to put their focus on and not just Pakistan. In addition to this, considering the challenges in the competition, Rohit stated that any side can win the Asia Cup instead of deeming any particular team as ‘favourites’. 

“We shouldn't say the Asia Cup is between India and Pakistan - there are other teams as well. Last year Sri Lanka won the tournament, they played good cricket. So, we can’t count anyone out because anyone can win the Asia Cup. It’s never about one team, we’ll need to focus on all the participants,” said Rohit in an interview with Vimal Kumar on YouTube.

India and Pakistan played twice in the previous edition of the Asia Cup in 2022. While the Men in Blue won the fixture in the group stage, Pakistan emerged victorious in the Super Four which helped them cruise to the summit clash of the ACC event. 

In the ongoing competition, Babar Azam and Co. are riding high on the back of a magnificent 238-run win against Nepal in the first match of the ACC event. Team India will look to trump Pakistan and begin their campaign off with a win before turning their attention towards the fixture against Nepal.

Your skills, playing under pressure will be tested in the Asia Cup: Rohit Sharma

When asked about team India’s preparation for the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, Rohit stated that the side is fully committed to the ACC event, as they need to tick a few boxes before the marquee ICC event.

“It’s a good tournament where your skills, playing under pressure will be tested. I look at it as a good competition in the build up to the ODI World Cup. We’ll need a few answers and tick a few boxes and so it’s the right time to play this tournament. Our first aim is to do well in the Asia Cup and then think about the rest of the matches of the World Cup later,” he added.