'Playing Pakistan ahead of World Cup will help India build more refined strategy' - Cricket experts eight in on India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash

Former cricketers RP Singh, Robin Uthappa and Abhishek Nayar have shared their insights on India-Pakistan clashes. Notably, the Asian rivals are set to meet imminently in the Asia Cup, with the marquee clash scheduled on September 2 in Kandy.

Conversant with Aakash Chopra, RP Singh highlighted how the Asia Cup tie can help India prepare to tackle the Pakistan threat in the ODI World Cup at home, while Uthappa reckoned that the teams will not find it easy succeeding against each other.

Singh empahsised on the fact that Pakistan has one of the mest settled units going into both the torunaments, with nearly all their bases covered. Meanwhile, Nayar highlighted that the India-Pakistan matches will offer mutual learning and strategic insights to both the teams ahead of the World Cup.

In a conversation on JioCinema’s daily show ‘#AAKASHVANI,’ hosted by Aakash Chopra, former India cricketer RP Singh shared his thoughts on the India-Pakistan matchups in the Asia Cup.

“Before the World Cup if India gets the opportunity to play three matches against Pakistan, it would be beneficial for the Indian side to have a more refined preparation strategy. Pakistan has a very balanced team with a left-arm spinner, a leg-break bowler who can bat, a left-arm fast bowler, and a right-arm fast bowler with a pace close to 150. It would be in India's best interest to capitalise on such an opportunity, as it would allow them to assess and make necessary adjustments. But it will also be advantageous to Pakistan as well as they get to play India before the World Cup.”

Further Robin Uthappa emphasized that India's encounters with Pakistan will be challenging. “Both teams possess exceptional skills and talent, setting the stage for three intense matches. While I consistently predict 3-0 in favour of India, it's important to acknowledge that these won't be straightforward matches for the Indian side.”

Nayar said: “Frequent matches against a team create familiarity and reduce pressure, working both ways. When India plays Pakistan, it's a reciprocal process where each side learns from the other. Facing Pakistan's unique and diverse fast bowlers will help our batsmen prepare better against them and it will also help our bowlers strategize against their batsmen. Playing a team multiple times before an important match like the World Cup in Ahmedabad is valuable. These three games will offer insights as to what to expect in the World Cup. My prediction remains 3-0 in India's favour.”

Also read: Most runs in Asia Cup 2023