Rishabh Pant's omission from India's playing XI for their Asia Cup opening clash versus Pakistan made heads turn. Not many would've expected Pant to be left out -- given his rise at the highest level in recent times -- despite Dinesh Karthik also doing well as a finisher in the shortest format.

Rohit Sharma-led India, however, pulled off a suprise by going ahead with Karthik for the Pakistan clash. Opting to bowl first in Dubai, India dismissed Pakistan for 147 in 19.5 overs and later chased it down in the last over courtesy of Virat Kohli's 34-ball 35, Ravindra Jadeja's 29-ball 35 (who came to bat at No. 4) and Hardik's 17-ball 33 not out (along with his three scalps) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-kapil-dev-explains-why-virat-kohli-is-a-bigger-player-than-anyone-else-in-last-10-years-511754">Asia Cup: Kapil Dev explains why Virat Kohli is 'a bigger player than anyone else in last 10 years'</a>

Ahead of India's clash versus Hong Kong, on Wednesday (August 31) at the same venue, former Indian-opener-turned-expert Aakash Chopra shared his pick among Pant and DK.

"Can there be any changes done in this match? I feel there is one change that should but will not happen. If you have to play Jaddu (Jadeja) at No. 4 and you need a left-hander at No. 4 for sure, if you can't do without that, then play Rishabh Pant because, at No. 7, you are doing a grave injustice to Dinesh Karthik also," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-this-is-a-question-out-of-my-book-ravindra-jadeja-on-rishabh-pants-absence-from-pakistan-clash-511703">WATCH: 'This is a question out of my book' - Jadeja on Pant's omission from India's XI vs Pakistan</a>

"What is the gain from batting there? A specialist does not play at No. 7, but I feel that is not going to happen. India are going to go with the same team in this match," he added.

Will India opt for a change? Will DK make way for Pant despite hardly getting a chance to bat versus Pakistan? Only time will tell...

Rishabh Pant's omission from India's playing XI for their Asia Cup opening clash versus Pakistan made heads turn. Not many would've expected Pant to be left out -- given his rise at the highest level in recent times -- despite Dinesh Karthik also doing well as a finisher in the shortest format.

Rishabh Pant's omission from India's playing XI for their Asia Cup opening clash versus Pakistan made heads turn. Not many would've expected Pant to be left out -- given his rise at the highest level in recent times -- despite Dinesh Karthik also doing well as a finisher in the shortest format. Rohit Sharma-led India, however, pulled off a suprise by going ahead with Karthik for the Pakistan clash. Opting to bowl first in Dubai, India dismissed Pakistan for 147 in 19.5 overs and later chased it down in the last over courtesy of Virat Kohli's 34-ball 35, Ravindra Jadeja's 29-ball 35 (who came to bat at No. 4) and Hardik's 17-ball 33 not out (along with his three scalps) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. ALSO READ | Asia Cup: Kapil Dev explains why Virat Kohli is 'a bigger player than anyone else in last 10 years' Ahead of India's clash versus Hong Kong, on Wednesday (August 31) at the same venue, former Indian-opener-turned-expert Aakash Chopra shared his pick among Pant and DK. "Can there be any changes done in this match? I feel there is one change that should but will not happen. If you have to play Jaddu (Jadeja) at No. 4 and you need a left-hander at No. 4 for sure, if you can't do without that, then play Rishabh Pant because, at No. 7, you are doing a grave injustice to Dinesh Karthik also," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel. ALSO READ | WATCH: 'This is a question out of my book' - Jadeja on Pant's omission from India's XI vs Pakistan "What is the gain from batting there? A specialist does not play at No. 7, but I feel that is not going to happen. India are going to go with the same team in this match," he added. Will India opt for a change? Will DK make way for Pant despite hardly getting a chance to bat versus Pakistan? Only time will tell...

Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik? Aakash Chopra shares his pick for India's Asia Cup clash vs Hong Kong

Hardik Pandya's all-round blitz took India past the finish line in a riveting clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Opting to bowl first, Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue dismissed Babar Azam's Pakistan for 147 in 19.5 overs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar returning with 4 for 26 along with Hardik's 3 for 25.

In reply, India were in a spot of bother at 89-4 in 14.2 overs, in pursuit of 148, when Hardik joined Ravindra Jadeja in the middle. While Jadeja contributed with a handy 29-ball 35, Hardik led the charge from his end, remained calm and composed as ever and took India to the target with a six, over long-on, in the final over. He remained unbeaten on 33, off 17 deliveries, to return with the Player-of-the-Match award. After the encounter, Hardik's consistency in all departments and his self-belief is being praised by many in the cricketing fraternity.

Sharing his views on the&nbsp;Sports 18&nbsp;show&nbsp;Sports Over the Top, former Indian batter-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar joined the bandwagon and lauded Pandya's ability to remain calm in difficult situations. "Just this calmness. Everything about him is currently unreal. His bowling returns are unreal, which is something that you get with others as well, but his ability to keep calm and get runs under pressure," Manjrekar said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-india-pakistan-can-square-off-again-in-super-4-round-at-asia-cup-511386">Explained: How India-Pakistan can square off again in Super 4 round at Asia Cup</a>

"That last over was a tricky one because Hardik was in there and played the faster bowlers mostly, so there was a rhythm of hitting against the quicker bowlers and suddenly the situation was such that Pakistan had to bring in the left-arm spinner. Jadeja got out to the first ball and then he had four balls to get those runs. The pressure is immense but the kind of shots also that he played to get those winning runs under pressure is just outstanding," Manjrekar added.

Hardik credited former captain MS Dhoni for his calmness in crunch situations while speaking to the broadcasters after the epic match between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;"I try to keep things simple as much as I can. Obviously, I have learnt this from Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) while playing with him. I learn from all the cricketers I play with. I believe that if you want to take any decision in life if you are calm it will help you take better decision. I apply the same during batting and keep my options ready," Pandya told&nbsp;Star Sports.

"In a chase like this, you always plan over-by-over. I always knew that there is one young bowler and also one left-arm spinner. We only needed 7 off the last over but even if we needed 15, I'd have fancied myself. I know the bowler is under more pressure than me in the 20th over. I try to keep things simple," the 28-year-old added.&nbsp;

He will now shift his focus to India's next match where Rohit &amp; Co. will face Hong Kong at the same venue on Wednesday evening (August 31).

Hardik Pandya's all-round blitz took India past the finish line in a riveting clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Hardik Pandya's all-round blitz took India past the finish line in a riveting clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Opting to bowl first, Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue dismissed Babar Azam's Pakistan for 147 in 19.5 overs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar returning with 4 for 26 along with Hardik's 3 for 25. In reply, India were in a spot of bother at 89-4 in 14.2 overs, in pursuit of 148, when Hardik joined Ravindra Jadeja in the middle. While Jadeja contributed with a handy 29-ball 35, Hardik led the charge from his end, remained calm and composed as ever and took India to the target with a six, over long-on, in the final over. He remained unbeaten on 33, off 17 deliveries, to return with the Player-of-the-Match award. After the encounter, Hardik's consistency in all departments and his self-belief is being praised by many in the cricketing fraternity. Sharing his views on the Sports 18 show Sports Over the Top, former Indian batter-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar joined the bandwagon and lauded Pandya's ability to remain calm in difficult situations. "Just this calmness. Everything about him is currently unreal. His bowling returns are unreal, which is something that you get with others as well, but his ability to keep calm and get runs under pressure," Manjrekar said. ALSO READ | Explained: How India-Pakistan can square off again in Super 4 round at Asia Cup "That last over was a tricky one because Hardik was in there and played the faster bowlers mostly, so there was a rhythm of hitting against the quicker bowlers and suddenly the situation was such that Pakistan had to bring in the left-arm spinner. Jadeja got out to the first ball and then he had four balls to get those runs. The pressure is immense but the kind of shots also that he played to get those winning runs under pressure is just outstanding," Manjrekar added. Hardik credited former captain MS Dhoni for his calmness in crunch situations while speaking to the broadcasters after the epic match between India and Pakistan. "I try to keep things simple as much as I can. Obviously, I have learnt this from Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) while playing with him. I learn from all the cricketers I play with. I believe that if you want to take any decision in life if you are calm it will help you take better decision. I apply the same during batting and keep my options ready," Pandya told Star Sports. "In a chase like this, you always plan over-by-over. I always knew that there is one young bowler and also one left-arm spinner. We only needed 7 off the last over but even if we needed 15, I'd have fancied myself. I know the bowler is under more pressure than me in the 20th over. I try to keep things simple," the 28-year-old added. He will now shift his focus to India's next match where Rohit & Co. will face Hong Kong at the same venue on Wednesday evening (August 31).

Sanjay Manjrekar lauds 'unreal' Hardik Pandya after his all-round blitz vs Pakistan in Asia Cup

Shahid Afridi's equation with Gautam Gambhir is well known to all in the cricketing fraternity. Gambhir-Afridi were involved in some heated exchanges during their playing days and the duo continue to take a dig at each other to date. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 clash between India and Pakistan, in Dubai on Sunday (August 28), Afridi made heads turn by claiming that 'no one in Team India likes Gautam Gambhir'.&nbsp;

Afridi's remark came during a talk show&nbsp;where news channels of both nations had collaborated. During the interaction, the ex-captain of the Men in Green recalled his on-field rivalry with Gambhir. Meanwhile, India's former&nbsp;spinner Harbhajan Singh was also part of the talk show. Afridi spoke to Aaj Tak being a part of the expert panel on the Pakistan's news channel - Samaa TV. During the discussion, Afridi said, "It's not like I have had a fight with any of the Indian players. Yes, sometimes there are some arguments with Gautam Gambhir on social media. And I think that Gautam is a sort of character which no one likes even in the Indian team."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-pak-you-are-ok-to-talk-to-me-manjrekar-leaves-jadeja-in-splits-all-rounder-replies-watch-511061">IND vs PAK: 'You are ok to talk to me?': Manjrekar leaves Jadeja in splits, all-rounder replies - WATCH</a>

While Afridi's comment on Gambhir went viral in no time, it was Harbhajan's casual reaction which sparked huge outrage on social media platforms. Twitter users weren't impressed with Bhajji's response to Afridi's remark, where he slammed his former teammate.&nbsp;

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This is wrong statement by Afridi 😡<a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GautamGambhir</a> always will be hero whole india .....Afridi says India team hi pasand nhi karti what nonsense🤬 don't speak anything about gauti sir🌍 
We loved ❤️ Gautam gambhir <a href="https://t.co/iugWFXPZ91">pic.twitter.com/iugWFXPZ91</a>
— AJ (@biharshain) <a href="https://twitter.com/biharshain/status/1563778871102967809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following Afridi's jibe at Gambhir, the hosts as well as Harbhajan had a good laugh. Seeing Bhajji's response, it irked many Twitter users. Here are some of the responses:

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This is wrong statement by Afridi 😡<a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GautamGambhir</a> always will be hero whole india .....Afridi says India team hi pasand nhi karti what nonsense🤬 don't speak anything about gauti sir🌍 
We loved ❤️ Gautam gambhir <a href="https://t.co/iugWFXPZ91">pic.twitter.com/iugWFXPZ91</a>
— AJ (@biharshain) <a href="https://twitter.com/biharshain/status/1563778871102967809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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How can <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harbhajan_singh</a> laugh on it .Man you have played so much with that guy atleast you should not have laughed on it.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/disappointing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#disappointing</a> <a href="https://t.co/LUQa3eg7IO">https://t.co/LUQa3eg7IO</a>
— Aman Kumar Singh (@rajputaman22) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajputaman22/status/1563884124305104896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harbhajan_singh</a> paaji that's a shameless laugh, isn't it? <a href="https://t.co/6zm8Cx3njN">https://t.co/6zm8Cx3njN</a>
— Mrutyu 🍂 (@Am_Rife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Am_Rife/status/1563885117260455936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Talking about the Indo-Pak battle in the 2022 Asia Cup, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bowl first and rode on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 4/26 and Hardik Pandya's 3-fer to dismiss the Men in Green for 147 in 19.5 overs. In reply, Men in Blue were 89-4 before Ravindra Jadeja's vital 35 and Hardik's match-winning 17-ball 33 not out propelled India to a thrilling five-wicket win over their Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

Shahid Afridi's equation with Gautam Gambhir is well known to all in the cricketing fraternity. Gambhir-Afridi were involved in some heated exchanges during their playing days and the duo continue to take a dig at each other to date.

Shahid Afridi's equation with Gautam Gambhir is well known to all in the cricketing fraternity. Gambhir-Afridi were involved in some heated exchanges during their playing days and the duo continue to take a dig at each other to date. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 clash between India and Pakistan, in Dubai on Sunday (August 28), Afridi made heads turn by claiming that 'no one in Team India likes Gautam Gambhir'. Afridi's remark came during a talk show where news channels of both nations had collaborated. During the interaction, the ex-captain of the Men in Green recalled his on-field rivalry with Gambhir. Meanwhile, India's former spinner Harbhajan Singh was also part of the talk show. Afridi spoke to Aaj Tak being a part of the expert panel on the Pakistan's news channel - Samaa TV. During the discussion, Afridi said, "It's not like I have had a fight with any of the Indian players. Yes, sometimes there are some arguments with Gautam Gambhir on social media. And I think that Gautam is a sort of character which no one likes even in the Indian team." ALSO READ | IND vs PAK: 'You are ok to talk to me?': Manjrekar leaves Jadeja in splits, all-rounder replies - WATCH While Afridi's comment on Gambhir went viral in no time, it was Harbhajan's casual reaction which sparked huge outrage on social media platforms. Twitter users weren't impressed with Bhajji's response to Afridi's remark, where he slammed his former teammate. This is wrong statement by Afridi 😡@GautamGambhir always will be hero whole india .....Afridi says India team hi pasand nhi karti what nonsense🤬 don't speak anything about gauti sir🌍 We loved ❤️ Gautam gambhir pic.twitter.com/iugWFXPZ91 — AJ (@biharshain) August 28, 2022 × Following Afridi's jibe at Gambhir, the hosts as well as Harbhajan had a good laugh. Seeing Bhajji's response, it irked many Twitter users. Here are some of the responses: This is wrong statement by Afridi 😡@GautamGambhir always will be hero whole india .....Afridi says India team hi pasand nhi karti what nonsense🤬 don't speak anything about gauti sir🌍 We loved ❤️ Gautam gambhir pic.twitter.com/iugWFXPZ91 — AJ (@biharshain) August 28, 2022 × How can @harbhajan_singh laugh on it .Man you have played so much with that guy atleast you should not have laughed on it.#INDvPAK #disappointing https://t.co/LUQa3eg7IO — Aman Kumar Singh (@rajputaman22) August 28, 2022 × @harbhajan_singh paaji that's a shameless laugh, isn't it? https://t.co/6zm8Cx3njN — Mrutyu 🍂 (@Am_Rife) August 28, 2022 × Talking about the Indo-Pak battle in the 2022 Asia Cup, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bowl first and rode on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 4/26 and Hardik Pandya's 3-fer to dismiss the Men in Green for 147 in 19.5 overs. In reply, Men in Blue were 89-4 before Ravindra Jadeja's vital 35 and Hardik's match-winning 17-ball 33 not out propelled India to a thrilling five-wicket win over their Asian neighbours.

Afridi claims 'no one in Team India likes Gautam Gambhir', Twitterati unimpressed with Harbhajan's reaction

Sanjay Manjrekar's infamous remark on with Ravindra Jadeja is well known. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, former cricketer-turned-commentator Manjrekar had made heads turn when he claimed all-rounder Jadeja is a 'bits and pieces' cricketer. Manjrekar's comments weren't well received by the star Indian all-rounder back then and he made it known&nbsp; courtesy of his animated celebration&nbsp;towards the commentary box after reaching a fine half-century in the mega event's semi-final clash between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Here's how Jadeja had reacted following Manjrekar's comments:

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Still i have played twice the number of matches you have played and i m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved.i have heard enough of your verbal diarrhoea.<a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaymanjrekar</a>
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja/status/1146409711220285440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Manjrekar was also quick to accept that Jadeja had 'ripped me apart on all fronts' following his scintillating 79-run knock in India's 18-run loss at the hands of New Zealand in the memorable CWC'19 semi-final.&nbsp;

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"By bits 'n' pieces of sheer brilliance, he's ripped me apart on all fronts."<a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaymanjrekar</a> has something to say to <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> after the all-rounder's fantastic performance against New Zealand.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/i96h5bJWpE">pic.twitter.com/i96h5bJWpE</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1148987955748495362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The two crossed paths once again during the India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday (August 28) in Dubai. After Jadeja played a part in India's successful five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan, chasing a tricky 148 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Manjrekar interviewed the star all-rounder on air.&nbsp;

The ex-cricketer's first question to Jadeja left the latter in splits. Manjrekar asked him "You are ok to talk to me?". Here's how Jadeja reacted:

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Success makes you the bigger person 😄<a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> <a href="https://t.co/RhqqGFEL0b">pic.twitter.com/RhqqGFEL0b</a>
— Nachiket Kher (@NachiketKher) <a href="https://twitter.com/NachiketKher/status/1563955875412328453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/even-if-we-needed-15-id-have-fancied-myself-hardik-pandya-after-india-edge-past-pakistan-in-asia-cup-511042">'Even if we needed 15, I'd have fancied myself': Hardik Pandya after India edge past Pakistan in Asia Cup</a>

Jadeja made a handy 29-ball 35 and shared a match-winning 52-run fifth-wicket stand with Player-of-the-Match Hardik Pandya (17-ball 33 not out) as India completed a riveting run-chase versus Babar Azam-led Men in Green after dismissing them for a modest 147 in 19.5 overs, with&nbsp;Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. opting&nbsp;to bowl first. While conversing with Manjrekar, Jadeja added, "We wanted to play till the end, they have a very good bowling attack, their fast bowlers don’t give anything away. I could have finished the game - left-arm spinner against left-hander, but Hardik played superbly. He (Pandya) came out and said he was going to play his shots, and happy that he stayed till the end."

Sanjay Manjrekar's infamous remark on with Ravindra Jadeja is well known. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, former cricketer-turned-commentator Manjrekar had made heads turn when he claimed all-rounder Jadeja is a 'bits and pieces' cricketer.

Sanjay Manjrekar's infamous remark on with Ravindra Jadeja is well known. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, former cricketer-turned-commentator Manjrekar had made heads turn when he claimed all-rounder Jadeja is a 'bits and pieces' cricketer. Manjrekar's comments weren't well received by the star Indian all-rounder back then and he made it known courtesy of his animated celebration towards the commentary box after reaching a fine half-century in the mega event's semi-final clash between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester. Here's how Jadeja had reacted following Manjrekar's comments: Still i have played twice the number of matches you have played and i m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved.i have heard enough of your verbal diarrhoea.@sanjaymanjrekar — Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) July 3, 2019 × Manjrekar was also quick to accept that Jadeja had 'ripped me apart on all fronts' following his scintillating 79-run knock in India's 18-run loss at the hands of New Zealand in the memorable CWC'19 semi-final. "By bits 'n' pieces of sheer brilliance, he's ripped me apart on all fronts."@sanjaymanjrekar has something to say to @imjadeja after the all-rounder's fantastic performance against New Zealand.#INDvNZ | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/i96h5bJWpE — ICC (@ICC) July 10, 2019 × The two crossed paths once again during the India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday (August 28) in Dubai. After Jadeja played a part in India's successful five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan, chasing a tricky 148 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Manjrekar interviewed the star all-rounder on air. The ex-cricketer's first question to Jadeja left the latter in splits. Manjrekar asked him "You are ok to talk to me?". Here's how Jadeja reacted: Success makes you the bigger person 😄@imjadeja pic.twitter.com/RhqqGFEL0b — Nachiket Kher (@NachiketKher) August 28, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'Even if we needed 15, I'd have fancied myself': Hardik Pandya after India edge past Pakistan in Asia Cup Jadeja made a handy 29-ball 35 and shared a match-winning 52-run fifth-wicket stand with Player-of-the-Match Hardik Pandya (17-ball 33 not out) as India completed a riveting run-chase versus Babar Azam-led Men in Green after dismissing them for a modest 147 in 19.5 overs, with Rohit Sharma & Co. opting to bowl first. While conversing with Manjrekar, Jadeja added, "We wanted to play till the end, they have a very good bowling attack, their fast bowlers don’t give anything away. I could have finished the game - left-arm spinner against left-hander, but Hardik played superbly. He (Pandya) came out and said he was going to play his shots, and happy that he stayed till the end."

IND vs PAK: 'You are ok to talk to me?': Manjrekar leaves Jadeja in splits, all-rounder replies - WATCH

It was a proper India-Pakistan clash when both sides faced each other in the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday (August 28), at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Facing each other for the first time since the 2021 T20 World Cup, held at the same ground, Rohit Sharma-led India were eyeing to settle scores versus Babar Azam's Pakistan following their ten-wicket loss versus the arch-rivals in last year's face-off at the mega event. The match went down to the wire before Hardik Pandya's all-round skills bailed India out and guided them to a five-wicket win.

After delivering with the ball, returning with 3 for 25 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 4-fer restricted Pakistan to 147 all-out in 19.5 overs following India's decision to bowl first, Hardik came out to bat in the run-chase with India reduced to 89-4 in 14.2 overs. He looked calm and composed as ever and stitched an important 52-run fifth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (35 off 29 balls) before guiding the team to a thrilling five-wicket win with seven required off the last over. Hardik ended the proceedings with a fine six off Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan's best bowler in the evening, to end with a fine 17-ball 33 not out.&nbsp;

After the match, Hardik gave a sneak peak of his mindset and said at the post-match presentation, "We only needed 7 off the last over, but even if we needed 15, I’d have fancied myself. I know the bowler is under more pressure than I am in the 20th over. I try to keep things simple. In a chase like this, you always plan over-by-over. I always knew that there was one young bowler and also one left-arm spinner."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2022-hardik-pandya-stars-as-india-beat-pakistan-by-5-wickets-in-last-over-thriller-510973">Asia Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya stars as India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in last-over thriller</a>

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From <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a>'s emotional Asia Cup journey to <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a>'s solid batting display! 👍 👍 
 
The all-rounder duo chat up after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> win their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2022</a> opener against Pakistan - by <a href="https://twitter.com/ameyatilak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ameyatilak</a> 
 
Full interview 🎥 🔽 <a href="https://t.co/efJHpc4dBo">https://t.co/efJHpc4dBo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/MJOij6bDRl">pic.twitter.com/MJOij6bDRl</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1564107956358000640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hardik has been in the form of his life ever since returning to competitive cricket in IPL 2022. He has grown as a leader and shown his class as an able finisher as well. Moreover, he is bowling his full quota of overs in the shortest format more often than not and also providing regular breakthroughs. India will hope for Hardik to continue his dream run even in the forthcoming 2022 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia from October-November

It was a proper India-Pakistan clash when both sides faced each other in the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday (August 28), at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

It was a proper India-Pakistan clash when both sides faced each other in the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday (August 28), at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Facing each other for the first time since the 2021 T20 World Cup, held at the same ground, Rohit Sharma-led India were eyeing to settle scores versus Babar Azam's Pakistan following their ten-wicket loss versus the arch-rivals in last year's face-off at the mega event. The match went down to the wire before Hardik Pandya's all-round skills bailed India out and guided them to a five-wicket win. After delivering with the ball, returning with 3 for 25 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 4-fer restricted Pakistan to 147 all-out in 19.5 overs following India's decision to bowl first, Hardik came out to bat in the run-chase with India reduced to 89-4 in 14.2 overs. He looked calm and composed as ever and stitched an important 52-run fifth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (35 off 29 balls) before guiding the team to a thrilling five-wicket win with seven required off the last over. Hardik ended the proceedings with a fine six off Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan's best bowler in the evening, to end with a fine 17-ball 33 not out. After the match, Hardik gave a sneak peak of his mindset and said at the post-match presentation, "We only needed 7 off the last over, but even if we needed 15, I’d have fancied myself. I know the bowler is under more pressure than I am in the 20th over. I try to keep things simple. In a chase like this, you always plan over-by-over. I always knew that there was one young bowler and also one left-arm spinner." ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya stars as India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in last-over thriller From @hardikpandya7's emotional Asia Cup journey to @imjadeja's solid batting display! 👍 👍 The all-rounder duo chat up after #TeamIndia win their #AsiaCup2022 opener against Pakistan - by @ameyatilak Full interview 🎥 🔽 https://t.co/efJHpc4dBo #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/MJOij6bDRl — BCCI (@BCCI) August 29, 2022 × Hardik has been in the form of his life ever since returning to competitive cricket in IPL 2022. He has grown as a leader and shown his class as an able finisher as well. Moreover, he is bowling his full quota of overs in the shortest format more often than not and also providing regular breakthroughs. India will hope for Hardik to continue his dream run even in the forthcoming 2022 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia from October-November

'Even if we needed 15, I'd have fancied myself': Hardik Pandya after India edge past Pakistan in Asia Cup

Hardik Pandya was at his best when India locked horns with Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022, beating them by five wickets in a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday (August 28). After Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bowl first, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 4/26 and Hardik's 3 for 25 dismissed Babar Azam-led Men in Green for a modest 147 in 19.5 overs.

In reply, Hardik joined India's run-chase at 89-4 in 14.2 overs, with the big three Rohit, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli back in the pavillion. The all-rounder stitched a match-winning 52-run fifth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (29-ball 35) before ending with a fine 17-ball 33 not out and ending proceedings with a fine six, over long-on, in the last over. With India needing seven off the last six deliveries, Rohit &amp; Co. lost Jadeja on the first ball of the final over. Nonetheless, Hardik remained calm and composed as ever to complete the run-chase in style. After India's close win over arch-rivals Pakistan, an Afghanistan fan's celebration has gone viral.

In the video, he can be seen kissing Hardik on TV screens. The clip has become an instant hit on social media platform Twitter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-hardiks-savage-response-to-dinesh-karthik-in-last-over-of-ind-vs-pak-thriller-goes-viral-watch-511092">Asia Cup: Hardik's savage response to Dinesh Karthik in last-over of IND vs PAK thriller goes viral - watch</a>

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Congratulations to all our brothers. Indians And Afghans🇦🇫🇮🇳. We the people Afghanistan celebrating this victory with or friend country indian people. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli𓃵</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pandya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pandya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/FFI5VvKE0d">pic.twitter.com/FFI5VvKE0d</a>
— A H (@YousafzaiAnayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/YousafzaiAnayat/status/1563966682590498816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-akhtar-slams-rohit-sharma-co-for-dropping-rishabh-pant-in-asia-cup-showdown-vs-pakistan-511142">Shoaib Akhtar slams Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. for dropping Rishabh Pant in Asia Cup showdown vs Pakistan</a>

At the post-match presentation, the 28-year-old Hardik opined, "In bowling, it's important to assess the situations and use your weapons. For me, bowling short and the hard lengths have been my strengths. It's about using them well and asking the right questions to make the batters commit a mistake. In a chase like this, you always plan over-by-over. I always knew that there is one young bowler and also one left-arm spinner. We only needed 7 off the last over but even if we needed 15, I'd have fancied myself. I know the bowler is under more pressure than me in the 20th over. I try to keep things simple."

Hardik Pandya was at his best when India locked horns with Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022, beating them by five wickets in a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday (August 28).

Hardik Pandya was at his best when India locked horns with Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022, beating them by five wickets in a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday (August 28). After Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bowl first, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 4/26 and Hardik's 3 for 25 dismissed Babar Azam-led Men in Green for a modest 147 in 19.5 overs. In reply, Hardik joined India's run-chase at 89-4 in 14.2 overs, with the big three Rohit, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli back in the pavillion. The all-rounder stitched a match-winning 52-run fifth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (29-ball 35) before ending with a fine 17-ball 33 not out and ending proceedings with a fine six, over long-on, in the last over. With India needing seven off the last six deliveries, Rohit & Co. lost Jadeja on the first ball of the final over. Nonetheless, Hardik remained calm and composed as ever to complete the run-chase in style. After India's close win over arch-rivals Pakistan, an Afghanistan fan's celebration has gone viral. In the video, he can be seen kissing Hardik on TV screens. The clip has become an instant hit on social media platform Twitter. ALSO READ | Asia Cup: Hardik's savage response to Dinesh Karthik in last-over of IND vs PAK thriller goes viral - watch Congratulations to all our brothers. Indians And Afghans🇦🇫🇮🇳. We the people Afghanistan celebrating this victory with or friend country indian people. #India #ViratKohli𓃵 #pandya #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/FFI5VvKE0d — A H (@YousafzaiAnayat) August 28, 2022 × ALSO READ | Shoaib Akhtar slams Rohit Sharma & Co. for dropping Rishabh Pant in Asia Cup showdown vs Pakistan At the post-match presentation, the 28-year-old Hardik opined, "In bowling, it's important to assess the situations and use your weapons. For me, bowling short and the hard lengths have been my strengths. It's about using them well and asking the right questions to make the batters commit a mistake. In a chase like this, you always plan over-by-over. I always knew that there is one young bowler and also one left-arm spinner. We only needed 7 off the last over but even if we needed 15, I'd have fancied myself. I know the bowler is under more pressure than me in the 20th over. I try to keep things simple."

WATCH: Afghanistan fan goes bonkers, kisses Hardik Pandya on TV after India's Asia Cup win vs Pakistan

India and Pakistan locked horns with each other in the Asia Cup showdown on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. It was the same venue where both sides had last met during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Babar Azam-led Men in Green had achieved their maiden World Cup win over their Asian neighbours by beating them by ten wickets.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, Pakistan failed to make it two wins in a row versus India as Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. beat them by five wickets in a thrilling contest on Sunday evening. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4 for 26) and Hardik Pandya's 3-25 dismissed Pakistan for 147 in 19.5 overs, after opting to bowl first. In reply, India were in a spot of bother being 89-4 but Ravindra Jadeja's 35 and Hardik's 17-ball 33 not out to propel the Men in Blue to a thrilling last-over win. While India were bailed out of a crisis situation, they will be content in returning with a victory to open their campaign in style. Set to face Hong Kong in their next tie, on Wednesday (August 31), India will hope to go unchanged and make it two victories on the trot.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-hardiks-savage-response-to-dinesh-karthik-in-last-over-of-ind-vs-pak-thriller-goes-viral-watch-511092">Asia Cup: Hardik's savage response to Dinesh Karthik in last-over of IND vs PAK thriller goes viral - watch</a>

Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, wasn't part of the Pakistan clash -- with India choosing to go ahead with Dinesh Karthik over the swashbuckling left-hander -- and will hope to get a look-in before the Super Four round. Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan pacer, had plenty to say about the Indo-Pak clash. He slammed Mohammad Rizwan for playing an unimpressive 42-ball 43-run-knock and slammed both captains for 'bad selections'.

&nbsp;"If Rizwan will play run-a-ball then obviously what will happen? 19 dot balls in the first 6 overs. If you play so many dot balls, then you will face problems," Akhtar said on his&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;channel.

"It was a bad selection by both captains. Both tried to pick the wrong teams. They (India) dropped Rishabh Pant and we (Pakistan) added Iftikhar Ahmed at number four. No disrespect to Iftikhar or anybody, but I have said this multiple times... Babar Azam shouldn't open. Instead, he should come one down and anchor the innings till the end," the Rawalpindi Express added.

It will be interesting to see if India bring back Pant into the playing XI and whether Pakistan will break their trusted opening pair of Babar-Rizwan going forward into the tournament. Both the Asian giants face Hong Kong in their remaining group stage encounter before the action shifts to the Super Four, followed by the final.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan locked horns with each other in the Asia Cup showdown on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. It was the same venue where both sides had last met during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Babar Azam-led Men in Green had achieved their maiden World Cup win over their Asian neighbours by beating them by ten wickets.

India and Pakistan locked horns with each other in the Asia Cup showdown on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. It was the same venue where both sides had last met during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Babar Azam-led Men in Green had achieved their maiden World Cup win over their Asian neighbours by beating them by ten wickets. Nonetheless, Pakistan failed to make it two wins in a row versus India as Rohit Sharma & Co. beat them by five wickets in a thrilling contest on Sunday evening. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4 for 26) and Hardik Pandya's 3-25 dismissed Pakistan for 147 in 19.5 overs, after opting to bowl first. In reply, India were in a spot of bother being 89-4 but Ravindra Jadeja's 35 and Hardik's 17-ball 33 not out to propel the Men in Blue to a thrilling last-over win. While India were bailed out of a crisis situation, they will be content in returning with a victory to open their campaign in style. Set to face Hong Kong in their next tie, on Wednesday (August 31), India will hope to go unchanged and make it two victories on the trot. ALSO READ | Asia Cup: Hardik's savage response to Dinesh Karthik in last-over of IND vs PAK thriller goes viral - watch Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, wasn't part of the Pakistan clash -- with India choosing to go ahead with Dinesh Karthik over the swashbuckling left-hander -- and will hope to get a look-in before the Super Four round. Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan pacer, had plenty to say about the Indo-Pak clash. He slammed Mohammad Rizwan for playing an unimpressive 42-ball 43-run-knock and slammed both captains for 'bad selections'. "If Rizwan will play run-a-ball then obviously what will happen? 19 dot balls in the first 6 overs. If you play so many dot balls, then you will face problems," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel. "It was a bad selection by both captains. Both tried to pick the wrong teams. They (India) dropped Rishabh Pant and we (Pakistan) added Iftikhar Ahmed at number four. No disrespect to Iftikhar or anybody, but I have said this multiple times... Babar Azam shouldn't open. Instead, he should come one down and anchor the innings till the end," the Rawalpindi Express added. It will be interesting to see if India bring back Pant into the playing XI and whether Pakistan will break their trusted opening pair of Babar-Rizwan going forward into the tournament. Both the Asian giants face Hong Kong in their remaining group stage encounter before the action shifts to the Super Four, followed by the final.

Shoaib Akhtar slams Rohit Sharma & Co. for dropping Rishabh Pant in Asia Cup showdown vs Pakistan

Virat Kohli is gearing up for his international comeback ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 edition, which gets underway on August 27. Ahead of Rohit Sharma-led India's tournament-opener versus Pakistan, in Dubai, on Sunday (August 28), Kohli shared a heartfelt post for MS Dhoni which has now gone viral. The strong bond between Dhoni and Kohli is known to the cricketing fraternity and the 33-year-old won hearts with his post recalling his time playing under the former Indian captain.

In early 2012, Kohli was appointed the then Indian captain Dhoni's deputy ahead of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh. The right-hander came to his own following the 2011 ODI World Cup and his consistency got rewarded as he was named the vice-captain amid the presence of senior players such as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, etc. Kohli held the post till the end of Dhoni's white-ball captaincy tenure whereas he succeeded him in Tests in 2015. Thus, the superstar cricketer shared a heartfelt post for Dhoni, recalling the time when he served as the Jharkhand-born cricketer's deputy and further stated that he will always cherish the several match-winning partnerships he shared with the former keeper-batter.

On late Thursday evening, Kohli tweeted, "Being this man’s trusted deputy was the most enjoyable and exciting period in my career. Our partnerships would always be special to me forever. 7+18."

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Being this man’s trusted deputy was the most enjoyable and exciting period in my career. Our partnerships would always be special to me forever. 7+18 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/PafGRkMH0Y">pic.twitter.com/PafGRkMH0Y</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1562865781930528770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-not-out-of-form-the-issue-is-rashid-khan-shares-his-take-on-virat-kohlis-form-ahead-of-asia-cup-510038">'He is not out of form, the issue is...' - Rashid Khan shares his take on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Asia Cup</a>

At present, Kohli is sweating hard to gear up for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition. Being out of form and struggling to end his international-century drought since late 2019, the former Indian skipper will look to make the most of the opportunities in the upcoming Asian championship. Under Rohit, India are placed in Pool A with Pakistan and Hong Kong. The group stage will be followed by the Super 4 round before the summit clash takes place on September 11.

Will defending champions India win the Asia Cup title for the third time in a row? Only time will tell...

Virat Kohli is gearing up for his international comeback ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 edition, which gets underway on August 27. Ahead of Rohit Sharma-led India's tournament-opener versus Pakistan, in Dubai, on Sunday (August 28), Kohli shared a heartfelt post for MS Dhoni which has now gone viral.

Virat Kohli is gearing up for his international comeback ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 edition, which gets underway on August 27. Ahead of Rohit Sharma-led India's tournament-opener versus Pakistan, in Dubai, on Sunday (August 28), Kohli shared a heartfelt post for MS Dhoni which has now gone viral. The strong bond between Dhoni and Kohli is known to the cricketing fraternity and the 33-year-old won hearts with his post recalling his time playing under the former Indian captain. In early 2012, Kohli was appointed the then Indian captain Dhoni's deputy ahead of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh. The right-hander came to his own following the 2011 ODI World Cup and his consistency got rewarded as he was named the vice-captain amid the presence of senior players such as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, etc. Kohli held the post till the end of Dhoni's white-ball captaincy tenure whereas he succeeded him in Tests in 2015. Thus, the superstar cricketer shared a heartfelt post for Dhoni, recalling the time when he served as the Jharkhand-born cricketer's deputy and further stated that he will always cherish the several match-winning partnerships he shared with the former keeper-batter. On late Thursday evening, Kohli tweeted, "Being this man’s trusted deputy was the most enjoyable and exciting period in my career. Our partnerships would always be special to me forever. 7+18." Being this man’s trusted deputy was the most enjoyable and exciting period in my career. Our partnerships would always be special to me forever. 7+18 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PafGRkMH0Y — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 25, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'He is not out of form, the issue is...' - Rashid Khan shares his take on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Asia Cup At present, Kohli is sweating hard to gear up for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition. Being out of form and struggling to end his international-century drought since late 2019, the former Indian skipper will look to make the most of the opportunities in the upcoming Asian championship. Under Rohit, India are placed in Pool A with Pakistan and Hong Kong. The group stage will be followed by the Super 4 round before the summit clash takes place on September 11. Will defending champions India win the Asia Cup title for the third time in a row? Only time will tell...

'Our partnerships would...' - Virat Kohli's heartfelt post for MS Dhoni goes viral ahead of Asia Cup

Reliving Virat Kohli's glittering T20I numbers ahead of his 100th match during Indo-Pak Asia Cup showdown

Virat Kohli has a massive fanbase worldwide. The 33-year-old Indian superstar is gearing up for his international comeback in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, which gets underway on August 27. Ahead of India's tournament-opener versus Pakistan, on August 28 (Sunday) in Dubai, Kohli won hearts once again with his gesture for a specially-abled Pakistani fan girl who was desperate to meet him in Dubai.&nbsp;

Even though the tournament is yet to start, many fans have reported to the Dubai stadium to catch a glimpse of star players and hope to meet them. Similarly, the Pakistani fangirl also attended the Indian cricket team's practice session in Dubai where she wanted to meet Virat. After waiting for hours, the fan finally met him once&nbsp;the former Indian skipper noticed her and asked the security to let her meet him. The overjoyed fan revealed the details of the meeting as well.

"I am not a fan of anyone but Virat Kohli, for whom I have come from Pakistan hoping to get a picture clicked with him. I waited for an entire month for this so the moment he finished his practice and was about to go back to his hotel, I tried a lot. He is an amazing person besides being a fabulous cricketer. He listened to me and agreed to my request of getting the selfie clicked," she told PakTV.

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/our-partnerships-would-virat-kohlis-heartfelt-post-for-ms-dhoni-goes-viral-ahead-of-asia-cup-510262">'Our partnerships would...' - Virat Kohli's heartfelt post for MS Dhoni goes viral ahead of Asia Cup</a>

Ahead of the Asia Cup, Kohli had also tweeted about MS Dhoni while recalling his time serving as the legendary captain's deputy. He took to his Twitter account and wrote, "Being this man’s trusted deputy was the most enjoyable and exciting period in my career. Our partnerships would always be special to me forever. 7+18." The post went viral in no time.

Being out of form for quite sometime, Kohli will hope to deliver the goods for Rohit Sharma's Team India in the Asian championship in the UAE. The Men in Blue enter as the defending champions, having won the title twice in a row since 2016.

Virat Kohli has a massive fanbase worldwide. The 33-year-old Indian superstar is gearing up for his international comeback in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, which gets underway on August 27.

Virat Kohli has a massive fanbase worldwide. The 33-year-old Indian superstar is gearing up for his international comeback in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, which gets underway on August 27. Ahead of India's tournament-opener versus Pakistan, on August 28 (Sunday) in Dubai, Kohli won hearts once again with his gesture for a specially-abled Pakistani fan girl who was desperate to meet him in Dubai. Even though the tournament is yet to start, many fans have reported to the Dubai stadium to catch a glimpse of star players and hope to meet them. Similarly, the Pakistani fangirl also attended the Indian cricket team's practice session in Dubai where she wanted to meet Virat. After waiting for hours, the fan finally met him once the former Indian skipper noticed her and asked the security to let her meet him. The overjoyed fan revealed the details of the meeting as well. "I am not a fan of anyone but Virat Kohli, for whom I have come from Pakistan hoping to get a picture clicked with him. I waited for an entire month for this so the moment he finished his practice and was about to go back to his hotel, I tried a lot. He is an amazing person besides being a fabulous cricketer. He listened to me and agreed to my request of getting the selfie clicked," she told PakTV. × ALSO READ | 'Our partnerships would...' - Virat Kohli's heartfelt post for MS Dhoni goes viral ahead of Asia Cup Ahead of the Asia Cup, Kohli had also tweeted about MS Dhoni while recalling his time serving as the legendary captain's deputy. He took to his Twitter account and wrote, "Being this man’s trusted deputy was the most enjoyable and exciting period in my career. Our partnerships would always be special to me forever. 7+18." The post went viral in no time. Being out of form for quite sometime, Kohli will hope to deliver the goods for Rohit Sharma's Team India in the Asian championship in the UAE. The Men in Blue enter as the defending champions, having won the title twice in a row since 2016.

Watch: Virat Kohli wins hearts, meets specially-abled Pakistani fangirl before India's Asia Cup opener

Cheteshwar Pujara has been an integral part of India's Test line-up ever since he made his debut. While Pujara was initially labelled as a home bully, he has played some memorable knocks in tough overseas conditions for Team India.&nbsp;

Pujara's Southampton ton during the 2018 England tour, 521-run tally in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, 153 in Johannesburg Test in 2013 and many more such knocks have made him an indispensable part of the red-ball squad. Though he was dropped for the Sri Lanka home series early this year, his zeal to bounce back saw him return for the one-off Test versus England in&nbsp;July, in Edgbaston, Birmingham, after a splendid County Championship for Sussex. While he has scored over 600 runs in the ongoing Royal London One-Day Cup for Sussex, Pujara took some time out to have a Q/A session with his fans on Twitter on Wednesday (August 24).

During the interaction, Pujara replied to a cricket-based website when asked about his favourite overseas triumph. The right-hander chose the famous Gabba Test win in this regard.

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Gabba 2021 <a href="https://t.co/2lJDhSrpZQ">https://t.co/2lJDhSrpZQ</a>
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1/status/1562425886569549827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-babar-azam-exchange-greetings-before-india-pakistan-showdown-at-asia-cup-509897">WATCH: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam exchange greetings before India-Pakistan showdown at Asia Cup</a>

It is to be noted that Pujara has been part of several memorable Test wins for India, especially under&nbsp;Virat Kohli's captaincy era. He was part of the Lord's Test wins in 2014 and 2021, J'burg victory in 2018, 31-run triumph over Australia in the Adelaide Test in 2018 followed by the MCG Test win in the same tour, The Oval victory versus hosts England last year. However, the Gabba Test win truly remains special which came versus the mighty Aussies in the 2021/22 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Talking about the Gabba Test, a second-stringed Ajinkya Rahane-led India came into the four-match Test series finale versus Tim Paine &amp; Co. with the scoreline reading 1-1. After conceding a vital 33-run lead to the home side, India chased down a competitive 328 on the final day riding on Shubman Gill's classy 91, Pujara's gutsy 56 and Rishabh Pant's 89 not out to clinch the series 2-1.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been an integral part of India's Test line-up ever since he made his debut. While Pujara was initially labelled as a home bully, he has played some memorable knocks in tough overseas conditions for Team India.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been an integral part of India's Test line-up ever since he made his debut. While Pujara was initially labelled as a home bully, he has played some memorable knocks in tough overseas conditions for Team India. Pujara's Southampton ton during the 2018 England tour, 521-run tally in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, 153 in Johannesburg Test in 2013 and many more such knocks have made him an indispensable part of the red-ball squad. Though he was dropped for the Sri Lanka home series early this year, his zeal to bounce back saw him return for the one-off Test versus England in July, in Edgbaston, Birmingham, after a splendid County Championship for Sussex. While he has scored over 600 runs in the ongoing Royal London One-Day Cup for Sussex, Pujara took some time out to have a Q/A session with his fans on Twitter on Wednesday (August 24). During the interaction, Pujara replied to a cricket-based website when asked about his favourite overseas triumph. The right-hander chose the famous Gabba Test win in this regard. Gabba 2021 https://t.co/2lJDhSrpZQ — Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 24, 2022 × ALSO READ | WATCH: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam exchange greetings before India-Pakistan showdown at Asia Cup It is to be noted that Pujara has been part of several memorable Test wins for India, especially under Virat Kohli's captaincy era. He was part of the Lord's Test wins in 2014 and 2021, J'burg victory in 2018, 31-run triumph over Australia in the Adelaide Test in 2018 followed by the MCG Test win in the same tour, The Oval victory versus hosts England last year. However, the Gabba Test win truly remains special which came versus the mighty Aussies in the 2021/22 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Talking about the Gabba Test, a second-stringed Ajinkya Rahane-led India came into the four-match Test series finale versus Tim Paine & Co. with the scoreline reading 1-1. After conceding a vital 33-run lead to the home side, India chased down a competitive 328 on the final day riding on Shubman Gill's classy 91, Pujara's gutsy 56 and Rishabh Pant's 89 not out to clinch the series 2-1.

Gabba 2021, Lord's 2014 or J'burg 2018? India's Cheteshwar Pujara picks his favourite overseas Test triumph

Just a few days are left for the India-Pakistan clash in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition. The tournament will kick off on August 27&nbsp;in the UAE&nbsp;with Afghanistan taking on Sri Lanka but the most-awaited clash is when the two Asian giants India and Pakistan lock horns a day later at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;

Ahead of the India-Pakistan face-off, the first since the 2021 T20 World Cup, Indian captain Rohit Sharma played down the hype on the contest. 
 
Speaking to the tournament's broadcaster Star Sports, Sharma said, "Everyone watches the game and it's a high-pressure game without a doubt, but within the group we want to create a normal atmosphere." 
 
"We don't want to hype this game too much. It's important to tell the players who haven't played against Pakistan or played them just one or two times that it's just another opposition," he told Star Sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-not-out-of-form-the-issue-is-rashid-khan-shares-his-take-on-virat-kohlis-form-ahead-of-asia-cup-510038">'He is not out of form, the issue is...' - Rashid Khan shares his take on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Asia Cup</a>

India will be eager to settle scores with Pakistan after their dismal performance in last year's clash during the 2021 T20 WC. Back then, Shaheen Afridi's 3/31&nbsp;had rocked India's top-order as they only managed 151/7, riding on then skipper Virat Kohli's 57, before openers Babar-Md Rizwan's unbeaten half-centuries propelled Pakistan to their maiden World Cup win over their neighbouring country.

Will the script remain the same for India, under Rohit? Or, will Men in Blue return to winning ways versus Pakistan? Only time will tell...

Just a few days are left for the India-Pakistan clash in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition. The tournament will kick off on August 27 in the UAE with Afghanistan taking on Sri Lanka but the most-awaited clash is when the two Asian giants India and Pakistan lock horns a day later at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Just a few days are left for the India-Pakistan clash in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition. The tournament will kick off on August 27 in the UAE with Afghanistan taking on Sri Lanka but the most-awaited clash is when the two Asian giants India and Pakistan lock horns a day later at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the India-Pakistan face-off, the first since the 2021 T20 World Cup, Indian captain Rohit Sharma played down the hype on the contest. Speaking to the tournament's broadcaster Star Sports, Sharma said, "Everyone watches the game and it's a high-pressure game without a doubt, but within the group we want to create a normal atmosphere." "We don't want to hype this game too much. It's important to tell the players who haven't played against Pakistan or played them just one or two times that it's just another opposition," he told Star Sports. ALSO READ | 'He is not out of form, the issue is...' - Rashid Khan shares his take on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Asia Cup India will be eager to settle scores with Pakistan after their dismal performance in last year's clash during the 2021 T20 WC. Back then, Shaheen Afridi's 3/31 had rocked India's top-order as they only managed 151/7, riding on then skipper Virat Kohli's 57, before openers Babar-Md Rizwan's unbeaten half-centuries propelled Pakistan to their maiden World Cup win over their neighbouring country. Will the script remain the same for India, under Rohit? Or, will Men in Blue return to winning ways versus Pakistan? Only time will tell...

'It's just another opposition' - Rohit Sharma downplays hype around India-Pakistan face-off in Asia Cup

The stage is set for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, set to get underway in the UAE on August 27. India and Pakistan -- two of the strongest teams in the competition -- will start as favourites and many await the Indo-Pak clash, which will take place on August 28 (Sunday)&nbsp;in Dubai.

Ahead of the commencement of the Asian championship, many former cricketers and experts of the game have made their predictions as to which team&nbsp;will walk away with the mega title. Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris feels Rohit Sharma-led India -- the defending champions and seven-time winners&nbsp;-- have the ability to squash everybody, including Pakistan.

Speaking on SPORTS18’s daily sports news show ‘SPORTS OVER THE TOP’, Styris pointed out, "Well, as we know, India has a very strong T20 league as well. I think it's the ability to come together and play the style and brand of cricket that best suits your players. I thought that was the big trick that India missed at the last T20 World Cup as it took them about two games. The two losses they had before they just started to go after the opposition, impose themselves with the talent and skill that they've got. I want to see India do that in this Asia Cup. I want them to impose themselves on the other teams and l they've got the ability to do that, I think they've got the ability to squash everybody, including Pakistan, in this Asia Cup."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-not-out-of-form-the-issue-is-rashid-khan-shares-his-take-on-virat-kohlis-form-ahead-of-asia-cup-510038">'He is not out of form, the issue is...' - Rashid Khan shares his take on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Asia Cup</a>

Few words of caution

However, the New Zealander also mentioned that the Men in Blue shouldn't proceed into the marquee tournament with a middling attitude and feels that's where Babar Azam-led Pakistan have figured things out in a better way. "But if they're going to go into this with this middling attitude of how they want to play the game, then I don't think it's going to happen. I think that's where Pakistan have figured things out a little bit more. So yes, they've got a great T20 competition, but so does India. I don't think that's going to be a defining moment or factor in this match,”&nbsp;Styris added.

India are placed in Group A with Pakistan and Hong Kong. After the group stage, the Super Four round will be held before the summit clash, which takes place on September 11.

The stage is set for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, set to get underway in the UAE on August 27. India and Pakistan -- two of the strongest teams in the competition -- will start as favourites and many await the Indo-Pak clash, which will take place on August 28 (Sunday) in Dubai.

The stage is set for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, set to get underway in the UAE on August 27. India and Pakistan -- two of the strongest teams in the competition -- will start as favourites and many await the Indo-Pak clash, which will take place on August 28 (Sunday) in Dubai. Ahead of the commencement of the Asian championship, many former cricketers and experts of the game have made their predictions as to which team will walk away with the mega title. Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris feels Rohit Sharma-led India -- the defending champions and seven-time winners -- have the ability to squash everybody, including Pakistan. Speaking on SPORTS18’s daily sports news show ‘SPORTS OVER THE TOP’, Styris pointed out, "Well, as we know, India has a very strong T20 league as well. I think it's the ability to come together and play the style and brand of cricket that best suits your players. I thought that was the big trick that India missed at the last T20 World Cup as it took them about two games. The two losses they had before they just started to go after the opposition, impose themselves with the talent and skill that they've got. I want to see India do that in this Asia Cup. I want them to impose themselves on the other teams and l they've got the ability to do that, I think they've got the ability to squash everybody, including Pakistan, in this Asia Cup." ALSO READ | 'He is not out of form, the issue is...' - Rashid Khan shares his take on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Asia Cup Few words of caution However, the New Zealander also mentioned that the Men in Blue shouldn't proceed into the marquee tournament with a middling attitude and feels that's where Babar Azam-led Pakistan have figured things out in a better way. "But if they're going to go into this with this middling attitude of how they want to play the game, then I don't think it's going to happen. I think that's where Pakistan have figured things out a little bit more. So yes, they've got a great T20 competition, but so does India. I don't think that's going to be a defining moment or factor in this match,” Styris added. India are placed in Group A with Pakistan and Hong Kong. After the group stage, the Super Four round will be held before the summit clash, which takes place on September 11.

'India have ability to squash everybody': Former NZ all-rounder feels Rohit & Co. favourites to win Asia Cup

Virat Kohli is gearing up for his international return as India prepare for their 2022 Asia Cup opener, where they face arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (August 28). The 33-year-old was out of action after India's tour of England and will be back in the forthcoming Asia Cup.

A lot is being said and written about Kohli's form. The right-hander hasn't had the best of run of late, with his international century-drought continuing since late 2019. Moreover, he returned from the England tour without a single half-century and had an ordinary run in IPL 2022. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's vital cog, has now opened up on Kohli's form ahead of the Asia Cup opener, where the Afghan team&nbsp;will face Sri Lanka on August 27.

"The kind of shots that he plays, you don't think he's out of form at all. As per me, he is not out of form. The issue is that there are a lot of expectations from him as people expect him to score a century in every alternate match."

"Even when we look at his Test knocks, he did all the hard work and survived during tough periods and has then gotten out in 50s or 60s. If it was any other batter, everyone would have said that he was in good form. Kohli has set the bar so high that people now want him to just score hundreds," Rashid opined in an interview with Sawera Pasha on YouTube.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-didnt-feel-like-i-was-batting-well-virat-kohli-reflects-on-england-tour-ahead-of-return-in-asia-cup-509799">I didn't feel like I was batting well: Virat Kohli reflects on England tour ahead of Asia Cup return</a>

Rashid further asserted, "I spoke to him during the IPL and I don't think he wasn't too bothered by what people were saying. He works very hard, and we are motivated to do the same by looking at him."

"I saw him bat in the nets the night before our match against RCB, and I kept track of the time he spent in the nets. To be honest, he batted for around two and a half hours. I was astonished to see that, as we had winded up our whole practice session and he was still there," he concluded.

Rashid and Virat can face each other if India and Afghanistan clash in the Asia Cup. India, Hong Kong and Pakistan are in Pool A whereas Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are placed in Pool B. The group stage will be followed by the Super 4 round before the summit clash, on September 11.

Virat Kohli is gearing up for his international return as India prepare for their 2022 Asia Cup opener, where they face arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (August 28).

Virat Kohli is gearing up for his international return as India prepare for their 2022 Asia Cup opener, where they face arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (August 28). The 33-year-old was out of action after India's tour of England and will be back in the forthcoming Asia Cup. A lot is being said and written about Kohli's form. The right-hander hasn't had the best of run of late, with his international century-drought continuing since late 2019. Moreover, he returned from the England tour without a single half-century and had an ordinary run in IPL 2022. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's vital cog, has now opened up on Kohli's form ahead of the Asia Cup opener, where the Afghan team will face Sri Lanka on August 27. "The kind of shots that he plays, you don't think he's out of form at all. As per me, he is not out of form. The issue is that there are a lot of expectations from him as people expect him to score a century in every alternate match." "Even when we look at his Test knocks, he did all the hard work and survived during tough periods and has then gotten out in 50s or 60s. If it was any other batter, everyone would have said that he was in good form. Kohli has set the bar so high that people now want him to just score hundreds," Rashid opined in an interview with Sawera Pasha on YouTube. ALSO READ | I didn't feel like I was batting well: Virat Kohli reflects on England tour ahead of Asia Cup return Rashid further asserted, "I spoke to him during the IPL and I don't think he wasn't too bothered by what people were saying. He works very hard, and we are motivated to do the same by looking at him." "I saw him bat in the nets the night before our match against RCB, and I kept track of the time he spent in the nets. To be honest, he batted for around two and a half hours. I was astonished to see that, as we had winded up our whole practice session and he was still there," he concluded. Rashid and Virat can face each other if India and Afghanistan clash in the Asia Cup. India, Hong Kong and Pakistan are in Pool A whereas Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are placed in Pool B. The group stage will be followed by the Super 4 round before the summit clash, on September 11.

'He is not out of form, the issue is...' - Rashid Khan shares his take on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Asia Cup

Not a lot of days remain for the commencement of the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE. Ahead of the tournament, all eyes are on the India-Pakistan clash, which will be held on the second day, i.e. on August 28 at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.&nbsp;

The forthcoming Indo-Pak clash will be the first-ever meeting between the two Asian giants post the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Babar Azam &amp; Co. thrashed India by ten wickets at the same venue in Dubai. While Babar-led Men in Green will hope for a similar such script in the making this time around as well, Rohit Sharma's Team India will aim for redemption.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2022-explained-how-india-might-take-on-pakistan-thrice-in-mega-event-509718">Asia Cup 2022: EXPLAINED! How India might take on Pakistan thrice in mega event</a>

Ahead of the much-awaited clash, superstars Virat Kohli and Babar met each other and were all smiles as they shook hands ahead at the iconic venue in Dubai. Here's the video shared by the BCCI which has now gone viral on social media platforms:

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Hello DUBAI 🇦🇪 
 
Hugs, smiles and warm-ups as we begin prep for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/bVo2TWa1sz">pic.twitter.com/bVo2TWa1sz</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1562455671396012034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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For the unversed, India and Pakistan are placed in Pool A, where they will also be joined by a team from the qualifying round. Post the group stage, the two sides are very likely to meet in the Super 4 and also in the summit clash. If India and Pakistan lock horns in the tournament finale, on September 11, it will be the first time that the two heavyweights will meet in the Asia Cup final.&nbsp;

The tournament is being played in the shortest format ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia from October-November.

Not a lot of days remain for the commencement of the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE. Ahead of the tournament, all eyes are on the India-Pakistan clash, which will be held on the second day, i.

Not a lot of days remain for the commencement of the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE. Ahead of the tournament, all eyes are on the India-Pakistan clash, which will be held on the second day, i.e. on August 28 at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. The forthcoming Indo-Pak clash will be the first-ever meeting between the two Asian giants post the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Babar Azam & Co. thrashed India by ten wickets at the same venue in Dubai. While Babar-led Men in Green will hope for a similar such script in the making this time around as well, Rohit Sharma's Team India will aim for redemption. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2022: EXPLAINED! How India might take on Pakistan thrice in mega event Ahead of the much-awaited clash, superstars Virat Kohli and Babar met each other and were all smiles as they shook hands ahead at the iconic venue in Dubai. Here's the video shared by the BCCI which has now gone viral on social media platforms: Hello DUBAI 🇦🇪 Hugs, smiles and warm-ups as we begin prep for #AsiaCup2022 #AsiaCup | #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/bVo2TWa1sz — BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2022 × For the unversed, India and Pakistan are placed in Pool A, where they will also be joined by a team from the qualifying round. Post the group stage, the two sides are very likely to meet in the Super 4 and also in the summit clash. If India and Pakistan lock horns in the tournament finale, on September 11, it will be the first time that the two heavyweights will meet in the Asia Cup final. The tournament is being played in the shortest format ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia from October-November.

WATCH: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam exchange greetings before India-Pakistan showdown at Asia Cup

Team India will enter the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition as favourites. Given their red-hot form, India will be eyeing the title in the upcoming tournament which will be held in the UAE, where the last year's T20 World Cup was held.

Despite Men in Blue not succeeding in conditions on offer in the UAE during T20 WC, Rohit Sharma-led India have a strong squad this time around -- being better balanced and more aggressive with the bat&nbsp;-- to go the distance in the tournament. Ahead of the Asia Cup, which kicks off on August 27, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar pointed out the 'small challenges' for skipper Rohit.&nbsp;

During an interaction on the&nbsp;Star Sports&nbsp;show 'Follow the Blues', former Indian cricketer Bangar revealed, "Rohit Sharma's biggest challenge in this Asia Cup I feel is some of the players who have not played regularly for the Indian team because of different-different reasons - it could be fitness or like Virat Kohli took a break, he is also making a comeback. KL Rahul had gotten injured."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-didnt-feel-like-i-was-batting-well-virat-kohli-reflects-on-england-tour-ahead-of-return-in-asia-cup-509799">I didn't feel like I was batting well: Virat Kohli reflects on England tour ahead of return in Asia Cup</a>

Further, Bangar highlighted that defending champions India will miss Jasprit Bumrah's services in the Asian championship.&nbsp;"Jasprit Bumrah is also not playing this tournament. So how he manages the bowling in Jasprit Bumrah's absence because Jasprit Bumrah is an extremely important element in India's bowling. So I feel these will be the small challenges in front of Rohit Sharma," he added.

Rohit-led India are strong title contenders for the Asia Cup. However, there are some issues as senior pros such as Virat and Rahul are returning at the highest level after some time. Moreover, Bumrah's absence -- due to a back injury -- can dent India's chances. In addition, head coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive, hence, Rohit might miss operating with him if the former captain doesn't travel to the UAE.

Team India will enter the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition as favourites. Given their red-hot form, India will be eyeing the title in the upcoming tournament which will be held in the UAE, where the last year's T20 World Cup was held.

Team India will enter the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition as favourites. Given their red-hot form, India will be eyeing the title in the upcoming tournament which will be held in the UAE, where the last year's T20 World Cup was held. Despite Men in Blue not succeeding in conditions on offer in the UAE during T20 WC, Rohit Sharma-led India have a strong squad this time around -- being better balanced and more aggressive with the bat -- to go the distance in the tournament. Ahead of the Asia Cup, which kicks off on August 27, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar pointed out the 'small challenges' for skipper Rohit. During an interaction on the Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues', former Indian cricketer Bangar revealed, "Rohit Sharma's biggest challenge in this Asia Cup I feel is some of the players who have not played regularly for the Indian team because of different-different reasons - it could be fitness or like Virat Kohli took a break, he is also making a comeback. KL Rahul had gotten injured." ALSO READ | I didn't feel like I was batting well: Virat Kohli reflects on England tour ahead of return in Asia Cup Further, Bangar highlighted that defending champions India will miss Jasprit Bumrah's services in the Asian championship. "Jasprit Bumrah is also not playing this tournament. So how he manages the bowling in Jasprit Bumrah's absence because Jasprit Bumrah is an extremely important element in India's bowling. So I feel these will be the small challenges in front of Rohit Sharma," he added. Rohit-led India are strong title contenders for the Asia Cup. However, there are some issues as senior pros such as Virat and Rahul are returning at the highest level after some time. Moreover, Bumrah's absence -- due to a back injury -- can dent India's chances. In addition, head coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive, hence, Rohit might miss operating with him if the former captain doesn't travel to the UAE.

Sanjay Bangar points out 'small challenges' infront of Rohit Sharma ahead of Team India's Asia Cup campaign

All eyes are on Virat Kohli as the 33-year-old will return to the 22-yard cricket strip during the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition&nbsp;in the UAE. India open their campaign against arch rivals Pakistan&nbsp;in Dubai, with an aim to settle scores with the Babar Azam-led Men in Green following their ten-wicket defeat in the last face-off during the 2021 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

For India to do well, they will need Kohli to return to form at the earliest. The former Indian captain has been away from action since the end of the England tour, where he failed to score even a half-century across formats.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/asia-cup-reminiscing-virat-kohlis-career-defining-183-versus-pakistan-in-2012-edition-509748">Asia Cup: Reminiscing Virat Kohli's career-defining 183 versus Pakistan in 2012 edition</a>

Kohli returned with only 76 runs in the England tour, which included&nbsp;the one-off Test, two ODIs and T20Is each. Recently, the superstar cricketer opened up on his batting struggles in England and admitted that he wasn't batting well (where he was continuously falling to deliveries pitched on the fourth/fifth-stump line).

"What happened in England was a pattern, so something that I could work on and something that I had to kind of overcome," Kohli revealed on the Star Sports show 'Game Plan'. "Right now, as you rightly mentioned, there is nothing that you can point out saying that the problem is happening here."

"So, that for me, is actually an easier thing to process because I know that I'm batting well and at times, when I start feeling that rhythm back, then I know that I'm batting well. So, that for me is not an issue, which wasn't the case in England; I didn't feel like I was batting well at all. So, I had to work hard on one thing that could be exposed again and again which I overcame; right now this is not the case," he added.

Kohli will play his 100th T20I when India face Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener on Sunday (August 28) in Dubai. Will he announce his return in style? Only time will tell...

All eyes are on Virat Kohli as the 33-year-old will return to the 22-yard cricket strip during the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition in the UAE. India open their campaign against arch rivals Pakistan in Dubai, with an aim to settle scores with the Babar Azam-led Men in Green following their ten-wicket defeat in the last face-off during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

All eyes are on Virat Kohli as the 33-year-old will return to the 22-yard cricket strip during the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition in the UAE. India open their campaign against arch rivals Pakistan in Dubai, with an aim to settle scores with the Babar Azam-led Men in Green following their ten-wicket defeat in the last face-off during the 2021 T20 World Cup. For India to do well, they will need Kohli to return to form at the earliest. The former Indian captain has been away from action since the end of the England tour, where he failed to score even a half-century across formats. ALSO READ | Asia Cup: Reminiscing Virat Kohli's career-defining 183 versus Pakistan in 2012 edition Kohli returned with only 76 runs in the England tour, which included the one-off Test, two ODIs and T20Is each. Recently, the superstar cricketer opened up on his batting struggles in England and admitted that he wasn't batting well (where he was continuously falling to deliveries pitched on the fourth/fifth-stump line). "What happened in England was a pattern, so something that I could work on and something that I had to kind of overcome," Kohli revealed on the Star Sports show 'Game Plan'. "Right now, as you rightly mentioned, there is nothing that you can point out saying that the problem is happening here." "So, that for me, is actually an easier thing to process because I know that I'm batting well and at times, when I start feeling that rhythm back, then I know that I'm batting well. So, that for me is not an issue, which wasn't the case in England; I didn't feel like I was batting well at all. So, I had to work hard on one thing that could be exposed again and again which I overcame; right now this is not the case," he added. Kohli will play his 100th T20I when India face Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener on Sunday (August 28) in Dubai. Will he announce his return in style? Only time will tell...

I didn't feel like I was batting well: Virat Kohli reflects on England tour ahead of Asia Cup return

Cheteshwar Pujara is on a run-scoring spree for Sussex. After a splendid run in the&nbsp;County Championship Division Two &nbsp;-- ending&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;tally of 1094 runs in 13 innings at&nbsp;109.40 including three double tons&nbsp;among&nbsp;five centuries -- India's Test specialist has carried his unbelievable form in the Royal London&nbsp;One-Day Cup. As a result,&nbsp;the right-hander scored his&nbsp;third century in five games for Sussex.

With this, Pujara has surpassed India's former captain Virat Kohli and Pakistan's batting sensation and all-format skipper Babar Azam in an elusive list to&nbsp;stand second in world cricket. Riding on a 75-ball century before he ended at 132 off 90 deliveries, Pujara combined with opener&nbsp;Tom Alsop's unbeaten 189 to help Sussex post a mammoth 400/4 versus&nbsp;Middlesex&nbsp;in&nbsp;Group A tie, in Hove.&nbsp;

Courtesy of his impressive knock, Pujara has surpassed both Kohli and Babar to achieve the second-highest batting average in List A cricket consisting of a&nbsp;minimum of 100 innings. The right-hander's current average of 57.48 in 109 innings is only second to Australia's former finisher Michael Bevan, who averaged 57.86 in 153 innings. Meanwhile, Babar comes next&nbsp;comprising an average of 56.56 in 153 innings followed by Kohli. The Indian star batter follows suit with an average of&nbsp;56.60 in 286 innings.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-vs-babar-azam-wasim-akram-joins-best-batsman-debate-ahead-of-india-pakistan-asia-cup-clash-509517">Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Wasim Akram joins 'best batsman' debate ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash</a>

In addition, Pujara's third ton of the tournament helped him&nbsp;become only the second batter in this season to go beyond the 500-run mark. Post his 132-run knock, which helped Sussex beat Middlesex by a whopping 157-run margin, his&nbsp;tally now reads a staggering&nbsp;614 runs in eight innings. His scores are as follows&nbsp;- 9 (16), 63 (71), 14* (7), 107 (79), 174 (131), 49* (68), 66 (66), 132 (90).

Cheteshwar Pujara is on a run-scoring spree for Sussex. After a splendid run in the County Championship Division Two -- ending with a tally of 1094 runs in 13 innings at 109.

Cheteshwar Pujara is on a run-scoring spree for Sussex. After a splendid run in the County Championship Division Two -- ending with a tally of 1094 runs in 13 innings at 109.40 including three double tons among five centuries -- India's Test specialist has carried his unbelievable form in the Royal London One-Day Cup. As a result, the right-hander scored his third century in five games for Sussex. With this, Pujara has surpassed India's former captain Virat Kohli and Pakistan's batting sensation and all-format skipper Babar Azam in an elusive list to stand second in world cricket. Riding on a 75-ball century before he ended at 132 off 90 deliveries, Pujara combined with opener Tom Alsop's unbeaten 189 to help Sussex post a mammoth 400/4 versus Middlesex in Group A tie, in Hove. Courtesy of his impressive knock, Pujara has surpassed both Kohli and Babar to achieve the second-highest batting average in List A cricket consisting of a minimum of 100 innings. The right-hander's current average of 57.48 in 109 innings is only second to Australia's former finisher Michael Bevan, who averaged 57.86 in 153 innings. Meanwhile, Babar comes next comprising an average of 56.56 in 153 innings followed by Kohli. The Indian star batter follows suit with an average of 56.60 in 286 innings. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Wasim Akram joins 'best batsman' debate ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash In addition, Pujara's third ton of the tournament helped him become only the second batter in this season to go beyond the 500-run mark. Post his 132-run knock, which helped Sussex beat Middlesex by a whopping 157-run margin, his tally now reads a staggering 614 runs in eight innings. His scores are as follows - 9 (16), 63 (71), 14* (7), 107 (79), 174 (131), 49* (68), 66 (66), 132 (90).

Run-machine Pujara surpasses Virat Kohli, Babar Azam in elite list with impressive ton for Sussex

Virat Kohli's form continues to be a topic of discussion in the cricketing fraternity. The 33-year-old has been out of form for quite some time and hasn't been part of the action at the international level since India's tour of England, where he returned without a single half-century across formats. Thus, all eyes are on the former Indian skipper on how he returns to his best in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, to be held in the UAE.

Ahead of the Asia Cup, which will be held in the shortest format as a dress rehearsal for the 2022 T20 World Cup, former Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram has come out in support of under-fire Kohli. He labelled him as one of the greatest of all time and has backed him to overcome his rut in the upcoming Asian championship.&nbsp;

"Let me start off with from last year or so, whatever I have been seeing on social media, from Indian fans, against Virat Kohli... most of them, fans or press, or whoever they may be, having a go at him unnecessarily. He is only 33, he is one of the greatest of all time," Akram said during a press conference organised by Star Sports.

"He is extraordinary. He is averaging 50-plus in all formats, he is still fit as a fiddle, he is still one of the best fielders in the Indian squad and like they say, form is temporary, class is forever. That is Virat Kohli. I am sure he will come back and score runs. I hope he doesn't come back against Pakistan, but he will make a comeback," Akram added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/would-bracket-him-with-rohit-kohli-rahul-in-team-india-harbhajan-lauds-shubman-gill-after-zimbabwe-odis-509478">Would bracket him with Rohit, Kohli &amp; Rahul in Team India: Harbhajan lauds Shubman Gill after Zimbabwe ODIs</a>

Kohli will like to come to his best in India's Asia Cup opener, where they face Babar Azam-led Pakistan in Dubai. This will be the first time the two Asian giants will lock horns against each other following last year's T20 World Cup face-off, where India were hammered by ten wickets. Interestingly, the arch-rivals will meet at the same venue and Kohli-starrer India will hope to settle scores this time around.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma-led India enter the tournament as favourites given their red-hot form in the shortest format since the 2021 T20 World Cup. India won the Asia Cup in the 2016 as well as in the 2018 edition.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli's form continues to be a topic of discussion in the cricketing fraternity. The 33-year-old has been out of form for quite some time and hasn't been part of the action at the international level since India's tour of England, where he returned without a single half-century across formats.

Virat Kohli's form continues to be a topic of discussion in the cricketing fraternity. The 33-year-old has been out of form for quite some time and hasn't been part of the action at the international level since India's tour of England, where he returned without a single half-century across formats. Thus, all eyes are on the former Indian skipper on how he returns to his best in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, to be held in the UAE. Ahead of the Asia Cup, which will be held in the shortest format as a dress rehearsal for the 2022 T20 World Cup, former Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram has come out in support of under-fire Kohli. He labelled him as one of the greatest of all time and has backed him to overcome his rut in the upcoming Asian championship. "Let me start off with from last year or so, whatever I have been seeing on social media, from Indian fans, against Virat Kohli... most of them, fans or press, or whoever they may be, having a go at him unnecessarily. He is only 33, he is one of the greatest of all time," Akram said during a press conference organised by Star Sports. "He is extraordinary. He is averaging 50-plus in all formats, he is still fit as a fiddle, he is still one of the best fielders in the Indian squad and like they say, form is temporary, class is forever. That is Virat Kohli. I am sure he will come back and score runs. I hope he doesn't come back against Pakistan, but he will make a comeback," Akram added. ALSO READ | Would bracket him with Rohit, Kohli & Rahul in Team India: Harbhajan lauds Shubman Gill after Zimbabwe ODIs Kohli will like to come to his best in India's Asia Cup opener, where they face Babar Azam-led Pakistan in Dubai. This will be the first time the two Asian giants will lock horns against each other following last year's T20 World Cup face-off, where India were hammered by ten wickets. Interestingly, the arch-rivals will meet at the same venue and Kohli-starrer India will hope to settle scores this time around. Rohit Sharma-led India enter the tournament as favourites given their red-hot form in the shortest format since the 2021 T20 World Cup. India won the Asia Cup in the 2016 as well as in the 2018 edition.

Virat Kohli one of the greatest of all time, they are having a go at him unnecessarily: Wasim Akram

KL Rahul-led India outplayed Zimbabwe in all three departments of the game to register a 13-run victory at the Harare Sports Club here and clinched the three-match ODI series by 3-0 on Monday. Sikandar Raza`s crucial knock of 115 runs went in vain as Zimbabwe failed to stop India from completing a 3-0 sweep. Chasing a target of 290, Zimbabwe got off to a decent start as their openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Innocent Kaia tried to play big shots. But the duo could not stand in front of the brilliant bowling of Deepak Chahar dismissed Kaia on 6 runs. Takudzwanashe Kaitano was in red-hot form, smashing Indian bowlers for big shots but his innings were cut short as he walked off the ground due to injury. Tony Munyonga came in his place. Sean Williams and Munyonga developed a much-needed partnership for their team as they took their team`s total beyond the 50-run mark, Munyonga smashing two fours in the spell of Deepak Hooda.

The blistering partnership could not stand long as Williams fell prey to Axar Patel`s spell after scoring 45 runs. Sikandar Raza then came to the crease. Raza started his stint on the pitch on an aggressive note as he smashed Indian bowlers all around the ground. Ryan Burl then was sent back to the hut by Kuldeep Yadav after scoring 8 runs. Luke Jongwe joined Raza as he tried to anchor a partnership to keep the momentum going in his team`s favour. Jongwe teh fell prey to Kuldeep Yadav`s spell after scoring 14 runs in 13 deliveries. While hammering Men in Blue Raza brought up his half-century in 61 deliveries. Raza in red-hot form smashed Shardul Thakur in the 39th over to gather 20 runs in six deliveries. Brad Evans and Raza notched up the partnership of fifty runs while taking their team a step closer to the win. After the 44 over the equation went down to 64 runs needed in 42 balls. Raza then went ahead to slam a century against India in 88 delivery. Zimbabwe suffered a big blow Shardul Thakur dismissed Raza after scoring 115 runs in 95 balls. In the last over Avesh Khan departed Victor Nyauchi to help India capture the three-match ODI series by 3-0 with 13 run victory over the host. Earlier, a superb maiden hundred by batter Shubman Gill and a half-century by Ishan Kishan powered India to 289/8 at the end of their 50 overs. The day was extremely memorable for the Indian batters as they smashed Zimbabwe all over the park, Gill (130) and Kishan (50) in particular. Brad Evans (5/54) got his maiden five-wicket haul and all the big stars under his kitty, but there were not much positives for Zimbabwe other than that they could restrict India to a below-300 total.

Electing to bat first, India was off to a solid start. Openers KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan rotated the strike really well, going big only occasionally. Dhawan was more aggressive of two as he got some neat hit crossing the fence for a four. Rahul focused mainly on strike rotation and giving himself some game time. At the end of 10 overs, India was at 41/0 with Dhawan (25*) and Rahul (12*) at the crease. Zimbabwe had a slight edge over India in the next ten overs as India`s run-making was not really fast. The duo crossed the fifty-run stand in 74 balls. The 63-run stand between the duo was broken after Brad Evans`s delivery edged Rahul`s bat and went shattering his stumps. KL`s stay ended in 45-ball 30 runs, with only one four and six, not exactly a stay he was hoping for.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shubman-gill-breaks-sachin-tendulkars-record-after-brilliant-130-run-knock-against-zimbabwe-509160">Shubman Gill breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record after brilliant 130-run knock against Zimbabwe</a>

Shubman Gill was the next batter on the crease. At the end of 20 overs, India was at 77/1 with Dhawan (39*) and Gill (4*) at the crease. Though Gill and Dhawan kept the scoreboard ticking for a while, their stand lasted only 21 runs. Evans got his second wicket in the match as a leading edge off Dhawan`s bat was caught by Sean Williams at the cover region. Dhawan was back in the hut after a 68-ball 40. Ishan Kishan was next up on the crease. An amazing drive by Kishan on the first ball of the 25th overtook India past the 100-run mark. Gill and Kishan continued to pile up runs, bringing up their 50-run stand and reached the 150-run mark in 35 overs. Gill was looking in fine touch and brought up his half-century in 51 balls, his fourth in ODIs. The duo also brought up their hundred-run stand in 99 balls. The duo`s assault did not end even after that as they kept scoring runs.

Kishan brought up his second half-century in ODIs off 61 balls. Ishan Kishan was run out in the 43rd over for 50 off 61 balls. The new batter Deepak Hooda was also dismissed for one of three balls by Evans, who struck for the third time in the innings. Gill brought up his maiden hundred in 82 balls. Sanju Samson was the next up on crease. He could score only 15 runs off 13 balls before Luke Jongwe cleared him. At this point, half of the side was back in the hut for 256 runs.Gill kept going and his next partner was Axar Patel, who could not last long either as he was dismissed by Victor Nyauchi for just 1.Gill departed for a well-made 130 off 97 balls and it was Evans who got his wicket after he was caught by Innocent Kaia at long-off.

Evans got his fifth wicket of the day after Shardul Thakur was caught by Nyuachi for 9 at mid-off. At the end of 50 overs, India finished at 289/8 with Deepak Chahar (1*) and Kuldeep Yadav (2*). Brad Evans was the best bowler for the hosts for the day, taking 5/54. Jongwe and Nyauchi got one wicket each.

Brief Scores: India 289/8 (Shubman Gill 130, Ishan Kishan 50, Brad Evans 5/54) against Zimbabwe 276 all out (Sikandar Raza 115, Sean Williams 45; Avesh Khan 3-66).

KL Rahul-led India outplayed Zimbabwe in all three departments of the game to register a 13-run victory at the Harare Sports Club here and clinched the three-match ODI series by 3-0 on Monday.

KL Rahul-led India outplayed Zimbabwe in all three departments of the game to register a 13-run victory at the Harare Sports Club here and clinched the three-match ODI series by 3-0 on Monday. Sikandar Raza`s crucial knock of 115 runs went in vain as Zimbabwe failed to stop India from completing a 3-0 sweep. Chasing a target of 290, Zimbabwe got off to a decent start as their openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Innocent Kaia tried to play big shots. But the duo could not stand in front of the brilliant bowling of Deepak Chahar dismissed Kaia on 6 runs. Takudzwanashe Kaitano was in red-hot form, smashing Indian bowlers for big shots but his innings were cut short as he walked off the ground due to injury. Tony Munyonga came in his place. Sean Williams and Munyonga developed a much-needed partnership for their team as they took their team`s total beyond the 50-run mark, Munyonga smashing two fours in the spell of Deepak Hooda. The blistering partnership could not stand long as Williams fell prey to Axar Patel`s spell after scoring 45 runs. Sikandar Raza then came to the crease. Raza started his stint on the pitch on an aggressive note as he smashed Indian bowlers all around the ground. Ryan Burl then was sent back to the hut by Kuldeep Yadav after scoring 8 runs. Luke Jongwe joined Raza as he tried to anchor a partnership to keep the momentum going in his team`s favour. Jongwe teh fell prey to Kuldeep Yadav`s spell after scoring 14 runs in 13 deliveries. While hammering Men in Blue Raza brought up his half-century in 61 deliveries. Raza in red-hot form smashed Shardul Thakur in the 39th over to gather 20 runs in six deliveries. Brad Evans and Raza notched up the partnership of fifty runs while taking their team a step closer to the win. After the 44 over the equation went down to 64 runs needed in 42 balls. Raza then went ahead to slam a century against India in 88 delivery. Zimbabwe suffered a big blow Shardul Thakur dismissed Raza after scoring 115 runs in 95 balls. In the last over Avesh Khan departed Victor Nyauchi to help India capture the three-match ODI series by 3-0 with 13 run victory over the host. Earlier, a superb maiden hundred by batter Shubman Gill and a half-century by Ishan Kishan powered India to 289/8 at the end of their 50 overs. The day was extremely memorable for the Indian batters as they smashed Zimbabwe all over the park, Gill (130) and Kishan (50) in particular. Brad Evans (5/54) got his maiden five-wicket haul and all the big stars under his kitty, but there were not much positives for Zimbabwe other than that they could restrict India to a below-300 total. Electing to bat first, India was off to a solid start. Openers KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan rotated the strike really well, going big only occasionally. Dhawan was more aggressive of two as he got some neat hit crossing the fence for a four. Rahul focused mainly on strike rotation and giving himself some game time. At the end of 10 overs, India was at 41/0 with Dhawan (25*) and Rahul (12*) at the crease. Zimbabwe had a slight edge over India in the next ten overs as India`s run-making was not really fast. The duo crossed the fifty-run stand in 74 balls. The 63-run stand between the duo was broken after Brad Evans`s delivery edged Rahul`s bat and went shattering his stumps. KL`s stay ended in 45-ball 30 runs, with only one four and six, not exactly a stay he was hoping for. ALSO READ | Shubman Gill breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record after brilliant 130-run knock against Zimbabwe Shubman Gill was the next batter on the crease. At the end of 20 overs, India was at 77/1 with Dhawan (39*) and Gill (4*) at the crease. Though Gill and Dhawan kept the scoreboard ticking for a while, their stand lasted only 21 runs. Evans got his second wicket in the match as a leading edge off Dhawan`s bat was caught by Sean Williams at the cover region. Dhawan was back in the hut after a 68-ball 40. Ishan Kishan was next up on the crease. An amazing drive by Kishan on the first ball of the 25th overtook India past the 100-run mark. Gill and Kishan continued to pile up runs, bringing up their 50-run stand and reached the 150-run mark in 35 overs. Gill was looking in fine touch and brought up his half-century in 51 balls, his fourth in ODIs. The duo also brought up their hundred-run stand in 99 balls. The duo`s assault did not end even after that as they kept scoring runs. Kishan brought up his second half-century in ODIs off 61 balls. Ishan Kishan was run out in the 43rd over for 50 off 61 balls. The new batter Deepak Hooda was also dismissed for one of three balls by Evans, who struck for the third time in the innings. Gill brought up his maiden hundred in 82 balls. Sanju Samson was the next up on crease. He could score only 15 runs off 13 balls before Luke Jongwe cleared him. At this point, half of the side was back in the hut for 256 runs.Gill kept going and his next partner was Axar Patel, who could not last long either as he was dismissed by Victor Nyauchi for just 1.Gill departed for a well-made 130 off 97 balls and it was Evans who got his wicket after he was caught by Innocent Kaia at long-off. Evans got his fifth wicket of the day after Shardul Thakur was caught by Nyuachi for 9 at mid-off. At the end of 50 overs, India finished at 289/8 with Deepak Chahar (1*) and Kuldeep Yadav (2*). Brad Evans was the best bowler for the hosts for the day, taking 5/54. Jongwe and Nyauchi got one wicket each. Brief Scores: India 289/8 (Shubman Gill 130, Ishan Kishan 50, Brad Evans 5/54) against Zimbabwe 276 all out (Sikandar Raza 115, Sean Williams 45; Avesh Khan 3-66).

Sikandar Raza's heroics in vain as Shubman Gill's ton takes India to ODI series whitewash vs Zimbabwe

A lot of former and active cricketers continue to opine on Virat Kohli. Kohli remains the topic of discussion despite last playing an international game on July 17. After India's tour of England, the 33-year-old star Indian batter had been given rest for the national side's white-ball tour of West Indies and will now return in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, from August 27-September 11.

Talking about Kohli's form, the right-hander's last international century came in the pre-Covid era. He had a forgettable&nbsp;2020 tour of New Zealand before the Covid-19 pandemic struck and shocked the whole world. Following that, he scored a lot of half-centuries but a century continues to evade him. Even in India's 2022 tour of England, Kohli ended without a single half-century across formats whereas he had an ordinary run in IPL 2022, for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Many expect Kohli to start afresh in the forthcoming Asia Cup and regain his form before the 2022 T20 World Cup, in Australia, in October-November. Before the tournament, his good friend and former RCB teammate AB de Villiers lavished praise on him. "Virat [Kohli] is one of the greatest cricketers ever to play the game. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Virat remains world-class. Virat and I remain in regular contact. We are friends, and he certainly does not need me to tell him the importance of working hard during a bad patch," said De Villers in interaction with NDTV.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-former-indian-batting-coach-explains-why-jasprit-bumrah-wont-be-missed-much-by-team-india-509210">Asia Cup: Former Indian batting coach explains why Jasprit Bumrah won't be missed much by Team India</a>

Recently, India's ex-all-rounder Irfan Pathan explained why the Asian championship -- to be held in the shortest format -- will be extremely vital for Kohli.

Speaking on Star Sports' show 'Gameplan', Pathan mentioned, "As far as the mind is concerned, what Virat Kohli will be thinking, what kind of mindset he will be coming in with and playing the matches, I think yes, Asia Cup is very, very important but when I look forward to the World Cup, where the pitches will be very, very good in Australia, which he likes, he thrives on Australian pitches, he's done really well.

"So Indian team needs Virat Kohli in top form. He comes back from Asia Cup in top form, I think it's a win-win situation for Virat Kohli and the Indian team," added the former pacer.

A lot of former and active cricketers continue to opine on Virat Kohli. Kohli remains the topic of discussion despite last playing an international game on July 17.

A lot of former and active cricketers continue to opine on Virat Kohli. Kohli remains the topic of discussion despite last playing an international game on July 17. After India's tour of England, the 33-year-old star Indian batter had been given rest for the national side's white-ball tour of West Indies and will now return in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, from August 27-September 11. Talking about Kohli's form, the right-hander's last international century came in the pre-Covid era. He had a forgettable 2020 tour of New Zealand before the Covid-19 pandemic struck and shocked the whole world. Following that, he scored a lot of half-centuries but a century continues to evade him. Even in India's 2022 tour of England, Kohli ended without a single half-century across formats whereas he had an ordinary run in IPL 2022, for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Many expect Kohli to start afresh in the forthcoming Asia Cup and regain his form before the 2022 T20 World Cup, in Australia, in October-November. Before the tournament, his good friend and former RCB teammate AB de Villiers lavished praise on him. "Virat [Kohli] is one of the greatest cricketers ever to play the game. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Virat remains world-class. Virat and I remain in regular contact. We are friends, and he certainly does not need me to tell him the importance of working hard during a bad patch," said De Villers in interaction with NDTV. ALSO READ | Asia Cup: Former Indian batting coach explains why Jasprit Bumrah won't be missed much by Team India Recently, India's ex-all-rounder Irfan Pathan explained why the Asian championship -- to be held in the shortest format -- will be extremely vital for Kohli. Speaking on Star Sports' show 'Gameplan', Pathan mentioned, "As far as the mind is concerned, what Virat Kohli will be thinking, what kind of mindset he will be coming in with and playing the matches, I think yes, Asia Cup is very, very important but when I look forward to the World Cup, where the pitches will be very, very good in Australia, which he likes, he thrives on Australian pitches, he's done really well. "So Indian team needs Virat Kohli in top form. He comes back from Asia Cup in top form, I think it's a win-win situation for Virat Kohli and the Indian team," added the former pacer.

'Virat Kohli is one of the greatest cricketers ever' - AB De Villliers lauds under-fire Indian star batter

Rohit Sharma-led Team India is gearing up for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, which will be held in the UAE from August 27-September 11. Ahead of the upcoming tournament, which will be held in the shortest format as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup, India was dealt with a massive blow with pacer Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out due to a back injury.&nbsp;

With no Bumrah, the onus will fall upon experienced campaigner Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The other pace options for India are Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Harshal Patel is also out of action due to injury. However, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels Bumrah won't be missed that in the death overs but his presence will be felt in the middle overs.&nbsp;

"Arshdeep is a good option who bowls good yorkers, has a lot of control and an excellent temperament to bowl in the death overs. So he (Bumrah) will not be missed that much in the death overs but the Indian team will definitely feel his absence in the middle overs," said Bangar on&nbsp;Star Sports&nbsp;show 'Follow the Blues'.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar will have to take greater responsibility and that means bowling two overs at the start and then again bowling two overs in the last four overs, which is his strength. I feel the one over where the team uses Bumrah in the middle overs, there his absence will definitely be felt,” added Bangar.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-responds-to-fans-query-on-virat-kohlis-future-ahead-of-indias-asia-cup-opener-vs-pakistan-509178">Shahid Afridi responds to fan's query on Virat Kohli's future ahead of India's Asia Cup opener vs Pakistan</a>

India will start their campaign versus Babar Azam-led Pakistan on August 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai -- where they were hammered by the Men in Green in their last face-off during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Squad:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Yuzvendra Chahal

Stand-by players:&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Deepak Chahar have been named as standbys.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India is gearing up for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, which will be held in the UAE from August 27-September 11. Ahead of the upcoming tournament, which will be held in the shortest format as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup, India was dealt with a massive blow with pacer Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out due to a back injury.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India is gearing up for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, which will be held in the UAE from August 27-September 11. Ahead of the upcoming tournament, which will be held in the shortest format as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup, India was dealt with a massive blow with pacer Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out due to a back injury. With no Bumrah, the onus will fall upon experienced campaigner Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The other pace options for India are Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Harshal Patel is also out of action due to injury. However, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels Bumrah won't be missed that in the death overs but his presence will be felt in the middle overs. "Arshdeep is a good option who bowls good yorkers, has a lot of control and an excellent temperament to bowl in the death overs. So he (Bumrah) will not be missed that much in the death overs but the Indian team will definitely feel his absence in the middle overs," said Bangar on Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues'. “Bhuvneshwar Kumar will have to take greater responsibility and that means bowling two overs at the start and then again bowling two overs in the last four overs, which is his strength. I feel the one over where the team uses Bumrah in the middle overs, there his absence will definitely be felt,” added Bangar. ALSO READ | Shahid Afridi responds to fan's query on Virat Kohli's future ahead of India's Asia Cup opener vs Pakistan India will start their campaign versus Babar Azam-led Pakistan on August 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai -- where they were hammered by the Men in Green in their last face-off during the 2021 T20 World Cup. Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Yuzvendra Chahal Stand-by players: Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Deepak Chahar have been named as standbys.

Asia Cup: Former Indian batting coach explains why Jasprit Bumrah won't be missed much by Team India

Virat Kohli's return to international cricket is keenly awaited. Kohli was out of India's tour of West Indies as he was given rest and will now turn up on the 22-yard cricket strip for the first time since the England tour during the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition. Thus, all eyes are on the former Indian skipper as he is expected to go past his poor run of form and return to his usual best in the upcoming showpiece event.&nbsp;

For the unversed, Kohli's last international century came in late 2019. Hence, he is yet to score a hundred in the post-Covid era. Many expect him to go all-out in the Asia Cup. Prior to India's tournament opener in the Asian championship, Pakistan's former captain Shahid Afridi opened up on Kohli's future. He was responding to a fan's query, who asked him to comment on 'Kohli's future'. Here's what the ex-Men in Green all-rounder said:

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It’s in his own hands.
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-cant-find-form-in-the-world-cup-irfan-pathan-explains-why-asia-cup-will-be-important-for-virat-kohli-509019">You can't find form in the World Cup: Irfan Pathan explains why Asia Cup will be important for Virat Kohli</a>

A lot has been said and written about Kohli's rut of late. Recently, India's former all-rounder Irfan Pathan joined the bandwagon and explained why the forthcoming Asia Cup is vital for the star Indian batter.

Speaking on Star Sports' show 'Gameplan', Pathan pointed out, "As far as the mind is concerned, what Virat Kohli will be thinking, what kind of mindset he will be coming in with and playing the matches, I think yes, Asia Cup is very, very important but when I look forward to the World Cup, where the pitches will be very, very good in Australia, which he likes, he thrives on Australian pitches, he's done really well.

"So Indian team needs Virat Kohli in top form. He comes back from Asia Cup in top form, I think it's a win-win situation for Virat Kohli and the Indian team," he added.

Rohit Sharma-led India play their first game in Asia Cup 2022 edition, to be held in the shortest format, versus arch-rival Pakistan on August 28 in Dubai.

Virat Kohli's return to international cricket is keenly awaited. Kohli was out of India's tour of West Indies as he was given rest and will now turn up on the 22-yard cricket strip for the first time since the England tour during the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition.

Virat Kohli's return to international cricket is keenly awaited. Kohli was out of India's tour of West Indies as he was given rest and will now turn up on the 22-yard cricket strip for the first time since the England tour during the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition. Thus, all eyes are on the former Indian skipper as he is expected to go past his poor run of form and return to his usual best in the upcoming showpiece event. For the unversed, Kohli's last international century came in late 2019. Hence, he is yet to score a hundred in the post-Covid era. Many expect him to go all-out in the Asia Cup. Prior to India's tournament opener in the Asian championship, Pakistan's former captain Shahid Afridi opened up on Kohli's future. He was responding to a fan's query, who asked him to comment on 'Kohli's future'. Here's what the ex-Men in Green all-rounder said: It’s in his own hands. — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 21, 2022 × ALSO READ | You can't find form in the World Cup: Irfan Pathan explains why Asia Cup will be important for Virat Kohli A lot has been said and written about Kohli's rut of late. Recently, India's former all-rounder Irfan Pathan joined the bandwagon and explained why the forthcoming Asia Cup is vital for the star Indian batter. Speaking on Star Sports' show 'Gameplan', Pathan pointed out, "As far as the mind is concerned, what Virat Kohli will be thinking, what kind of mindset he will be coming in with and playing the matches, I think yes, Asia Cup is very, very important but when I look forward to the World Cup, where the pitches will be very, very good in Australia, which he likes, he thrives on Australian pitches, he's done really well. "So Indian team needs Virat Kohli in top form. He comes back from Asia Cup in top form, I think it's a win-win situation for Virat Kohli and the Indian team," he added. Rohit Sharma-led India play their first game in Asia Cup 2022 edition, to be held in the shortest format, versus arch-rival Pakistan on August 28 in Dubai.

Shahid Afridi responds to fan's query on Virat Kohli's future ahead of India's Asia Cup opener vs Pakistan

Ravi Shastri's coaching tenure for Team India was quite a memorable one. While he didn't take India to an ICC title, the then Virat Kohli-led national side achieved sizeable success under him. Under Shastri, India reached the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final, inaugural WTC final, dominated at home, beat Australia twice in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, drew a five-match Test series versus hosts England and won bilateral T20I series in SENA countries.

Recently, veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik reflected on Shastri's glorious run as India's head coach and had a lot of positives to say. Karthik revealed what annoyed Shastri the most and made an interesting claim.&nbsp;

"He had a very low tolerance for somebody who wouldn’t bat at a certain pace he did not like or someone who was doing very differently in the nets and in the match, he would go and bat differently. He would not be very appreciative of that. Shastri knew exactly what he wanted from the team, the way in which it was played, but his tolerance was very little for failures. He always used to push people to do very well," said Karthik on Cricbuzz' docuseries Summer Stalemate

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-did-not-see-that-coming-dinesh-karthik-recalls-rohit-sharmas-low-point-that-tore-him-to-shreds-507461">He did not see that coming: Dinesh Karthik recalls Rohit Sharma's low point that 'tore him to shreds'</a>

Further, the 37-year-old Karthik feels Shastri did a better job serving as India's coach, than as a cricketer. "I think Shastri, the player, was somebody who was probably not as talented but fulfilled his talent as a coach. He did much better than what he was expected to do. As a coach, he was a larger-than-life person. He was somebody who pushed players to try and achieve special things," added Karthik.

Ravi Shastri's coaching tenure for Team India was quite a memorable one. While he didn't take India to an ICC title, the then Virat Kohli-led national side achieved sizeable success under him.

Ravi Shastri's coaching tenure for Team India was quite a memorable one. While he didn't take India to an ICC title, the then Virat Kohli-led national side achieved sizeable success under him. Under Shastri, India reached the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final, inaugural WTC final, dominated at home, beat Australia twice in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, drew a five-match Test series versus hosts England and won bilateral T20I series in SENA countries. Recently, veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik reflected on Shastri's glorious run as India's head coach and had a lot of positives to say. Karthik revealed what annoyed Shastri the most and made an interesting claim. "He had a very low tolerance for somebody who wouldn’t bat at a certain pace he did not like or someone who was doing very differently in the nets and in the match, he would go and bat differently. He would not be very appreciative of that. Shastri knew exactly what he wanted from the team, the way in which it was played, but his tolerance was very little for failures. He always used to push people to do very well," said Karthik on Cricbuzz' docuseries Summer Stalemate ALSO READ | He did not see that coming: Dinesh Karthik recalls Rohit Sharma's low point that 'tore him to shreds' Further, the 37-year-old Karthik feels Shastri did a better job serving as India's coach, than as a cricketer. "I think Shastri, the player, was somebody who was probably not as talented but fulfilled his talent as a coach. He did much better than what he was expected to do. As a coach, he was a larger-than-life person. He was somebody who pushed players to try and achieve special things," added Karthik.

'His tolerance was very little...' - Dinesh Karthik explains what annoyed ex-India coach Ravi Shastri the most

India and Pakistan will lock horns in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, on August 28. Over the years, both the Asian giants play each other only during ICC or multi-nation tournaments but the buzz and hype around every Indo-Pak clash remains extremely high.

Before Rohit Sharma's Team India and Babar Azam-led Pakistan lock horns in the Asia Cup, where they can meet each other thrice (including the final), former Indian opener Virender Sehwag recalled the two teams' 2003 ODI World Cup clash, held in Centurion.

Back then, the Sourav Ganguly-led Indian team were asked to chase a challenging 274 -- after Saeed Anwar's 101 -- and rode on Sachin Tendulkar's majestic 98, off 75 balls, and crucial knocks from Md Kaif, Rahul Dravid (44 not out) and Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 50. However, Tendulkar had to fall back upon Sehwag to fill in as his runner due to Master Blaster's cramps. Recently, Sehwag revealed what happened when he joined Tendulkar-Rahul Dravid in the middle as the former's runner.

“We knew it was an important game. But Tendulkar was so experienced, he had played so many games against Pakistan.. he knew that he need to be prepared for it. If I have to consider his World Cup knocks, it was his best. I also came to run for him during the game because he was having cramps, and Pakistan's Shahid Afridi was abusing him a lot, kept saying something or the other. But he remained focused. He knew it was important for him to stay at the crease. He usually doesn't take a runner, but still he knew that if I come, I will run like he does. There won't be any misunderstanding," Sehwag said on a video posted by&nbsp;Star Sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-tour-of-zimbabwe-shikhar-dhawan-reacts-on-being-replaced-by-kl-rahul-as-captain-507760">India tour of Zimbabwe: Shikhar Dhawan reacts to being replaced by KL Rahul as captain</a>

Sehwag went onto add, "No matter what series it is (ICC tournament or bilateral), the match between India and Pakistan is always intense. And we will always see fights or incidents taking place between players of both the countries. And I remember there was a statement from Shoaib Akhtar that he will absolutely destroy the top order. I didn't read the statement, neither did Sachin, but Sachin did respond strongly to it in the first over of our innings. He hit 18 runs in that over."

India and Pakistan will lock horns in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, on August 28. Over the years, both the Asian giants play each other only during ICC or multi-nation tournaments but the buzz and hype around every Indo-Pak clash remains extremely high.

India and Pakistan will lock horns in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, on August 28. Over the years, both the Asian giants play each other only during ICC or multi-nation tournaments but the buzz and hype around every Indo-Pak clash remains extremely high. Before Rohit Sharma's Team India and Babar Azam-led Pakistan lock horns in the Asia Cup, where they can meet each other thrice (including the final), former Indian opener Virender Sehwag recalled the two teams' 2003 ODI World Cup clash, held in Centurion. Back then, the Sourav Ganguly-led Indian team were asked to chase a challenging 274 -- after Saeed Anwar's 101 -- and rode on Sachin Tendulkar's majestic 98, off 75 balls, and crucial knocks from Md Kaif, Rahul Dravid (44 not out) and Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 50. However, Tendulkar had to fall back upon Sehwag to fill in as his runner due to Master Blaster's cramps. Recently, Sehwag revealed what happened when he joined Tendulkar-Rahul Dravid in the middle as the former's runner. “We knew it was an important game. But Tendulkar was so experienced, he had played so many games against Pakistan.. he knew that he need to be prepared for it. If I have to consider his World Cup knocks, it was his best. I also came to run for him during the game because he was having cramps, and Pakistan's Shahid Afridi was abusing him a lot, kept saying something or the other. But he remained focused. He knew it was important for him to stay at the crease. He usually doesn't take a runner, but still he knew that if I come, I will run like he does. There won't be any misunderstanding," Sehwag said on a video posted by Star Sports. ALSO READ | India tour of Zimbabwe: Shikhar Dhawan reacts to being replaced by KL Rahul as captain Sehwag went onto add, "No matter what series it is (ICC tournament or bilateral), the match between India and Pakistan is always intense. And we will always see fights or incidents taking place between players of both the countries. And I remember there was a statement from Shoaib Akhtar that he will absolutely destroy the top order. I didn't read the statement, neither did Sachin, but Sachin did respond strongly to it in the first over of our innings. He hit 18 runs in that over."

'Shahid Afridi was abusing Sachin Tendulkar a lot' - Sehwag recalls India-Pakistan 2003 World Cup clash

BCCI surprised one and all by naming KL Rahul as India's captain for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, which comprises three ODIs. Interestingly, Shikhar Dhawan was assigned the captain's role but Rahul was given the role after he was declared fit and became a part of the squad.

It is to be noted that the BCCI selection committee didn't mention the possibility of Rahul's inclusion -- who is&nbsp;India's regular vice-captain --&nbsp;being subject to fitness test when they had initially annouced&nbsp;the squad. Thus, many former cricketers criticised BCCI's move of demoting Dhawan as the vice-captain and making Rahul in-charge after the initial announcement.

Sharing his thoughts on the same, Dhawan said in the pre-match post conference: "It is a very good news that KL is back and will be leading the side as well. He is one of the main players of this Indian team. It will be a good outing for him before the Asia Cup gets underway. I am sure he will gain a lot from this tour."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-someone-has-been-md-kaif-reacts-to-rahul-replacing-dhawan-as-india-captain-for-zimbabwe-odis-507708">'If someone has been...' - Md Kaif reacts to Rahul replacing Dhawan as India captain for Zimbabwe ODIs</a>

The vice-captain further added, "I quite enjoy sharing my experience with the youngsters in the team. I first came here in 2014 (actually 2013), when Duncan Fletcher was the Indian coach. If they (youngsters) reach out to me for any suggestions, I am (always) there to answer them."

Dhawan, who only plays ODIs for Team India, will be eager to make the most of his opportunities in the three ODIs versus the African nation, which gets underway on August 18.

BCCI surprised one and all by naming KL Rahul as India's captain for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, which comprises three ODIs. Interestingly, Shikhar Dhawan was assigned the captain's role but Rahul was given the role after he was declared fit and became a part of the squad.

BCCI surprised one and all by naming KL Rahul as India's captain for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, which comprises three ODIs. Interestingly, Shikhar Dhawan was assigned the captain's role but Rahul was given the role after he was declared fit and became a part of the squad. It is to be noted that the BCCI selection committee didn't mention the possibility of Rahul's inclusion -- who is India's regular vice-captain -- being subject to fitness test when they had initially annouced the squad. Thus, many former cricketers criticised BCCI's move of demoting Dhawan as the vice-captain and making Rahul in-charge after the initial announcement. Sharing his thoughts on the same, Dhawan said in the pre-match post conference: "It is a very good news that KL is back and will be leading the side as well. He is one of the main players of this Indian team. It will be a good outing for him before the Asia Cup gets underway. I am sure he will gain a lot from this tour." ALSO READ | 'If someone has been...' - Md Kaif reacts to Rahul replacing Dhawan as India captain for Zimbabwe ODIs The vice-captain further added, "I quite enjoy sharing my experience with the youngsters in the team. I first came here in 2014 (actually 2013), when Duncan Fletcher was the Indian coach. If they (youngsters) reach out to me for any suggestions, I am (always) there to answer them." Dhawan, who only plays ODIs for Team India, will be eager to make the most of his opportunities in the three ODIs versus the African nation, which gets underway on August 18.

India tour of Zimbabwe: Shikhar Dhawan reacts to being replaced by KL Rahul as captain

BCCI announced a change in captaincy for Team India ahead of their departure for the tour of Zimbabwe when they added KL Rahul in the squad. With the return of the regular vice-captain, Rahul was named the Indian captain, replacing Shikhar Dhawan who was already announced as the leader-in-charge for the short tour of the West Indies.

This change in captaincy hasn't been received well by many former Indian cricketers, such as Saba Karim, Aakash Chopra, etc. Now, former middle-order batter Mohammad Kaif also reacted to the change in captaincy and remains unimpressed.

Speaking in a media interaction with Sony Sports, Kaif said, "The captaincy episode could have been avoided. May be KL Rahul's medical report came in late, and it could be a case of miscommunication as well. If India would have played this series under Dhawan, as initially announced, I don't think it would have bothered KL Rahul.

"But I totally agree, if someone has been announced as captain, he should remain as captain. Dhawan is an easy-going personality, but it isn't right on a player," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-should-succeed-rohit-sharma-as-indias-test-captain-former-indian-opener-shares-his-choice-507442">Who should succeed Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain? Former Indian opener shares his choice</a>

Further, Kaif opined on Dhawan and believes he is still good enough to be an all-format cricketer for India. "There is a lot of cricket left in Shikhar Dhawan as he plays just one format for India. He scores heaps of runs in IPL as well and his call-up in just ODIs sometimes surprises me a bit.

"He is a better player and can play both T20Is and Tests as well. Whenever Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have played well together, India have been successful," he further said.

Dhawan led India in the West Indies ODIs, in the Caribbean island, and will gear up for the Zimbabwe ODI series opener, which will be held on August 18. He only plays ODI format for the Men in Blue and, hence, will be desperate to make a mark versus the lowly-ranked hosts.

BCCI announced a change in captaincy for Team India ahead of their departure for the tour of Zimbabwe when they added KL Rahul in the squad. With the return of the regular vice-captain, Rahul was named the Indian captain, replacing Shikhar Dhawan who was already announced as the leader-in-charge for the short tour of the West Indies.

BCCI announced a change in captaincy for Team India ahead of their departure for the tour of Zimbabwe when they added KL Rahul in the squad. With the return of the regular vice-captain, Rahul was named the Indian captain, replacing Shikhar Dhawan who was already announced as the leader-in-charge for the short tour of the West Indies. This change in captaincy hasn't been received well by many former Indian cricketers, such as Saba Karim, Aakash Chopra, etc. Now, former middle-order batter Mohammad Kaif also reacted to the change in captaincy and remains unimpressed. Speaking in a media interaction with Sony Sports, Kaif said, "The captaincy episode could have been avoided. May be KL Rahul's medical report came in late, and it could be a case of miscommunication as well. If India would have played this series under Dhawan, as initially announced, I don't think it would have bothered KL Rahul. "But I totally agree, if someone has been announced as captain, he should remain as captain. Dhawan is an easy-going personality, but it isn't right on a player," he added. ALSO READ | Who should succeed Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain? Former Indian opener shares his choice Further, Kaif opined on Dhawan and believes he is still good enough to be an all-format cricketer for India. "There is a lot of cricket left in Shikhar Dhawan as he plays just one format for India. He scores heaps of runs in IPL as well and his call-up in just ODIs sometimes surprises me a bit. "He is a better player and can play both T20Is and Tests as well. Whenever Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have played well together, India have been successful," he further said. Dhawan led India in the West Indies ODIs, in the Caribbean island, and will gear up for the Zimbabwe ODI series opener, which will be held on August 18. He only plays ODI format for the Men in Blue and, hence, will be desperate to make a mark versus the lowly-ranked hosts.

'If someone has been...' - Md Kaif reacts to Rahul replacing Dhawan as India captain for Zimbabwe ODIs

Rohit Sharma was promoted as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli relinquished captaincy duties altogether by resigning as the red-ball captain early this year. Hitman, as Rohit is fondly called worldwide, has come a long way ever since his international debut in 2007. After his debut, he struggled for consistency -- despite showcasing his skills and talent in his early days -- before his fortunes changing after becoming a limited-overs opener since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Later in the same year, Rohit made his Test debut and scored two tons in his first-ever red-ball game but never managed to settle in the Test line-up in the following years.&nbsp;

Rohit's stature continued to grow in white-ball formats, where he came to his own since early 2016, he didn't play a single Test between&nbsp;October 2016 and November 2017. Moreover, his next Test century -- after his debut match -- also came in late 2017. While he was part of the South Africa Tests, in the African nation, in early 2018 and was among runs in the limited-overs series versus hosts England -- during Virat Kohli &amp; Co.'s trip to the United Kingdom after a few months -- he was dropped for the five Tests versus Joe Root-led England. Thus, veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik recently revealed that the 2018 Test omission hit Rohit really hard.

"He had almost gone down the path where he was so successful as a white-ball cricketer. He was happy doing that. And when he did come back into the Test team, you've got to remember in 2018, he was dropped from the Test team. He was sent back after the white-ball leg and that really hurt him. Rohit Sharma did not see that coming and that really tore him to shreds," Karthik said in the docu-series Summer Stalemate on Cricbuzz.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-opines-on-team-indias-multiple-captaincy-changes-in-2022-explains-how-it-has-been-beneficial-507450">Sourav Ganguly opines on Team India's multiple captaincy changes in 2022, explains how it has been beneficial</a>

While Rohit wasn't part of India's 4-1 loss at the hands of hosts England during the 2018 English summer, his red-ball career blossomed post his staggering success in the 2019 ODI World Cup. After the mega event, then head coach Ravi Shastri backed Rohit as a Test opener and Hitman hasn't disappointed ever since. Since India's home series versus South Africa in October 2019, Rohit has scored as many as five centuries -- including a double ton and also registering his maiden triple-figure knock in the format in overseas -- along with four half-centuries.

Rohit Sharma was promoted as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli relinquished captaincy duties altogether by resigning as the red-ball captain early this year.

Rohit Sharma was promoted as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli relinquished captaincy duties altogether by resigning as the red-ball captain early this year. Hitman, as Rohit is fondly called worldwide, has come a long way ever since his international debut in 2007. After his debut, he struggled for consistency -- despite showcasing his skills and talent in his early days -- before his fortunes changing after becoming a limited-overs opener since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Later in the same year, Rohit made his Test debut and scored two tons in his first-ever red-ball game but never managed to settle in the Test line-up in the following years. Rohit's stature continued to grow in white-ball formats, where he came to his own since early 2016, he didn't play a single Test between October 2016 and November 2017. Moreover, his next Test century -- after his debut match -- also came in late 2017. While he was part of the South Africa Tests, in the African nation, in early 2018 and was among runs in the limited-overs series versus hosts England -- during Virat Kohli & Co.'s trip to the United Kingdom after a few months -- he was dropped for the five Tests versus Joe Root-led England. Thus, veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik recently revealed that the 2018 Test omission hit Rohit really hard. "He had almost gone down the path where he was so successful as a white-ball cricketer. He was happy doing that. And when he did come back into the Test team, you've got to remember in 2018, he was dropped from the Test team. He was sent back after the white-ball leg and that really hurt him. Rohit Sharma did not see that coming and that really tore him to shreds," Karthik said in the docu-series Summer Stalemate on Cricbuzz. ALSO READ | Sourav Ganguly opines on Team India's multiple captaincy changes in 2022, explains how it has been beneficial While Rohit wasn't part of India's 4-1 loss at the hands of hosts England during the 2018 English summer, his red-ball career blossomed post his staggering success in the 2019 ODI World Cup. After the mega event, then head coach Ravi Shastri backed Rohit as a Test opener and Hitman hasn't disappointed ever since. Since India's home series versus South Africa in October 2019, Rohit has scored as many as five centuries -- including a double ton and also registering his maiden triple-figure knock in the format in overseas -- along with four half-centuries.

He did not see that coming: Dinesh Karthik recalls Rohit Sharma's low point that 'tore him to shreds'

In the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid era, India are shaping up really well ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, from October-November in Australia. The T20I line-up is playing with a lot of freedom and aggression whereas the ODI team has also done well. The Test squad, however,&nbsp;has lost some golden opportunities of winning a series in South Africa and England as they continue to rebuild post the staggering success achieved in the Virat Kohli-era.

Nonetheless, India have not looked out of sorts in any format post Kohli's captaincy tenure. One of the most-talked-about-aspects in the Rohit-Rahul era is that India have made multiple captaincy changes in 2022, with as many as seven players leading the side across formats. Thus, a lot has been said and written on India's multiple captaincy changes in the ongoing calendar year. This has primarily been done to give rest to senior players, along with regular captain Rohit, which has resulted in various future captaincy contenders auditioning for the top post whereas it has also led to the national team having a huge pool of players.

Recently, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly also opined on India's multiple captaincy changes in 2022 and explained how it has been beneficial. "Rohit Sharma is now the all-format captain. And they play so much, injuries are bound to happen and hence they do need injury-breaks. This gives the advantage that there are a lot of new players who have come up. And we won in West Indies and in England with these new bunch of players. India now have a pool of 30 players who can now play for the national team anytime,” Ganguly told India Today.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-should-succeed-rohit-sharma-as-indias-test-captain-former-indian-opener-shares-his-choice-507442">Who should succeed Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain? Former Indian opener shares his choice</a>

Currently, KL Rahul-led India are in Zimbabwe as the second-stringed Men in Blue squad is gearing up for a three-match ODI series versus the African nation, starting on August 18. After that, Rohit &amp; Co. will feature in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, which will be played in the shortest format as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup Down Under.

In the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid era, India are shaping up really well ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, from October-November in Australia. The T20I line-up is playing with a lot of freedom and aggression whereas the ODI team has also done well.

In the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid era, India are shaping up really well ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, from October-November in Australia. The T20I line-up is playing with a lot of freedom and aggression whereas the ODI team has also done well. The Test squad, however, has lost some golden opportunities of winning a series in South Africa and England as they continue to rebuild post the staggering success achieved in the Virat Kohli-era. Nonetheless, India have not looked out of sorts in any format post Kohli's captaincy tenure. One of the most-talked-about-aspects in the Rohit-Rahul era is that India have made multiple captaincy changes in 2022, with as many as seven players leading the side across formats. Thus, a lot has been said and written on India's multiple captaincy changes in the ongoing calendar year. This has primarily been done to give rest to senior players, along with regular captain Rohit, which has resulted in various future captaincy contenders auditioning for the top post whereas it has also led to the national team having a huge pool of players. Recently, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly also opined on India's multiple captaincy changes in 2022 and explained how it has been beneficial. "Rohit Sharma is now the all-format captain. And they play so much, injuries are bound to happen and hence they do need injury-breaks. This gives the advantage that there are a lot of new players who have come up. And we won in West Indies and in England with these new bunch of players. India now have a pool of 30 players who can now play for the national team anytime,” Ganguly told India Today. ALSO READ | Who should succeed Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain? Former Indian opener shares his choice Currently, KL Rahul-led India are in Zimbabwe as the second-stringed Men in Blue squad is gearing up for a three-match ODI series versus the African nation, starting on August 18. After that, Rohit & Co. will feature in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, which will be played in the shortest format as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup Down Under.

Sourav Ganguly opines on Team India's multiple captaincy changes in 2022, explains how it has been beneficial

Team India is shaping up really well, under Rohit Sharma, for the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia from October-November. Since last year's edition, in the UAE, India have changed their approach with the bat -- with the top-order being more aggressive in their approach -- whereas they have also been blessed with a good balance in the lower-half, especially with the return of Hardik Pandya.

Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans (GT) to IPL 2022 championship, has been firing on all cylinders ever since he made his comeback into the Indian team. He has bowled at regular intervals, accounted for key wickets, brought a sense of calm with the bat and has won games for India with his all-round blitz. Moreover, he is now also being seen as a future captain and has led with aplomb in the limited opportunities so far.&nbsp;

In an interaction with the&nbsp;Times of India, former South Africa all-rounder&nbsp;Lance Klusener lavished huge praise on Pandya and feels Team India is a different outfit in his presence. "A fast-bowling all-rounder like Hardik Pandya adds glue to any white-ball side or to any cricket team. It's so good to have him back and is getting into the form we are accustomed to. The Indian team looks a different side when Hardik Pandya is in full flow."

Klusner, who is currently Zimbabwe's batting coach,&nbsp;also feels a lowly-ranked African team will learn a lot while playing against a second-stringed Indian line-up. The Men in Blue's tour of Zimbabwe kicks off on August 18.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-wasnt-aggressive-under-kohli-but-players-attack-under-rohits-captaincy-feels-aakash-chopra-507368">Team India wasn't aggressive under Kohli, but players attack under Rohit's captaincy, feels Aakash Chopra</a>

In this regard, the former cricketer added, "It will be a great learning curve for a team like Zimbabwe to play against a top side like India. It's a good challenge for us and an opportunity for our players to learn and grow."

India will play Zimbabwe in a bilateral series for the first time since 2016&nbsp;as both teams will lock horns in three ODIs, commencing on August 18. KL Rahul will lead Team India -- who will be without regular captain Rohit, Hardik, Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, etc. -- whereas Shikhar Dhawan will serve as his deputy.

Team India is shaping up really well, under Rohit Sharma, for the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia from October-November. Since last year's edition, in the UAE, India have changed their approach with the bat -- with the top-order being more aggressive in their approach -- whereas they have also been blessed with a good balance in the lower-half, especially with the return of Hardik Pandya.

Team India is shaping up really well, under Rohit Sharma, for the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia from October-November. Since last year's edition, in the UAE, India have changed their approach with the bat -- with the top-order being more aggressive in their approach -- whereas they have also been blessed with a good balance in the lower-half, especially with the return of Hardik Pandya. Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans (GT) to IPL 2022 championship, has been firing on all cylinders ever since he made his comeback into the Indian team. He has bowled at regular intervals, accounted for key wickets, brought a sense of calm with the bat and has won games for India with his all-round blitz. Moreover, he is now also being seen as a future captain and has led with aplomb in the limited opportunities so far. In an interaction with the Times of India, former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener lavished huge praise on Pandya and feels Team India is a different outfit in his presence. "A fast-bowling all-rounder like Hardik Pandya adds glue to any white-ball side or to any cricket team. It's so good to have him back and is getting into the form we are accustomed to. The Indian team looks a different side when Hardik Pandya is in full flow." Klusner, who is currently Zimbabwe's batting coach, also feels a lowly-ranked African team will learn a lot while playing against a second-stringed Indian line-up. The Men in Blue's tour of Zimbabwe kicks off on August 18. ALSO READ | Team India wasn't aggressive under Kohli, but players attack under Rohit's captaincy, feels Aakash Chopra In this regard, the former cricketer added, "It will be a great learning curve for a team like Zimbabwe to play against a top side like India. It's a good challenge for us and an opportunity for our players to learn and grow." India will play Zimbabwe in a bilateral series for the first time since 2016 as both teams will lock horns in three ODIs, commencing on August 18. KL Rahul will lead Team India -- who will be without regular captain Rohit, Hardik, Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, etc. -- whereas Shikhar Dhawan will serve as his deputy.

'Team India looks a different side when he is in full flow': Lance Klusner lauds Men in Blue's star player

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra recently compared the captaincy styles of Virat Kohli and current Team India skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit took over from Virat in T20Is soon after his resignation post the 2021 T20 World Cup, took over as ODI captain post his predecessor Kohli's sacking and was also named the Test captain early this year, after Virat gave up captaincy duties altogether.

Since then, Rohit-led India have done well in the limited-overs format and are gearing up for the 2022 Asia Cup, which will be followed by the T20 World Cup in October-November in Australia. Under Kohli, India did achieve a lot of success across formats -- despite not winning an ICC title -- and were an aggressive unit. However, Chopra made an interesting claim by saying that players under Rohit are far from attacking in their approach.&nbsp;

"Virat Kohli's big focus was - 'I want to do this.' It was a lot about wanting to set an example. Virat Kohli was very very aggressive on the field, in your face, never taking a backward step, but the team was not that aggressive under Virat Kohli," Chopra said on his Youtube channel. "That's a very interesting bit that he was himself very aggressive but the team was not aggressive. There could be multiple reasons for that. He talked about intent many times but we saw [Cheteshwar] Pujara getting run out twice in one match. So the 'intent' word was perhaps not understood correctly," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/let-him-practice-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-reacts-to-virat-kohlis-lean-patch-ahead-of-asia-cup-2022-507186">'Let him practice': BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's lean patch ahead of Asia Cup 2022</a>

Meanwhile, Chopra opined that Rohit might not seem to be that aggressive and animated, however, the team plays with a lot of freedom and aggression in his leadership. "Rohit Sharma is a very interesting character as a captain. The one thing I like about him a lot is that when you meet Rohit Sharma or see him on the ground, he doesn't look animated but the team that plays under him attacks," Chopra opined.

"We have seen that they play with freedom or you can say aggression. The main reason for that is he gives confidence to the team, that they have made a philosophy, they will play according to that, and that he is standing behind the players and will not let them get dropped," he further asserted.

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra recently compared the captaincy styles of Virat Kohli and current Team India skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit took over from Virat in T20Is soon after his resignation post the 2021 T20 World Cup, took over as ODI captain post his predecessor Kohli's sacking and was also named the Test captain early this year, after Virat gave up captaincy duties altogether.

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra recently compared the captaincy styles of Virat Kohli and current Team India skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit took over from Virat in T20Is soon after his resignation post the 2021 T20 World Cup, took over as ODI captain post his predecessor Kohli's sacking and was also named the Test captain early this year, after Virat gave up captaincy duties altogether. Since then, Rohit-led India have done well in the limited-overs format and are gearing up for the 2022 Asia Cup, which will be followed by the T20 World Cup in October-November in Australia. Under Kohli, India did achieve a lot of success across formats -- despite not winning an ICC title -- and were an aggressive unit. However, Chopra made an interesting claim by saying that players under Rohit are far from attacking in their approach. "Virat Kohli's big focus was - 'I want to do this.' It was a lot about wanting to set an example. Virat Kohli was very very aggressive on the field, in your face, never taking a backward step, but the team was not that aggressive under Virat Kohli," Chopra said on his Youtube channel. "That's a very interesting bit that he was himself very aggressive but the team was not aggressive. There could be multiple reasons for that. He talked about intent many times but we saw [Cheteshwar] Pujara getting run out twice in one match. So the 'intent' word was perhaps not understood correctly," he added. ALSO READ | 'Let him practice': BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's lean patch ahead of Asia Cup 2022 Meanwhile, Chopra opined that Rohit might not seem to be that aggressive and animated, however, the team plays with a lot of freedom and aggression in his leadership. "Rohit Sharma is a very interesting character as a captain. The one thing I like about him a lot is that when you meet Rohit Sharma or see him on the ground, he doesn't look animated but the team that plays under him attacks," Chopra opined. "We have seen that they play with freedom or you can say aggression. The main reason for that is he gives confidence to the team, that they have made a philosophy, they will play according to that, and that he is standing behind the players and will not let them get dropped," he further asserted.

Team India wasn't aggressive under Kohli, but players attack under Rohit's captaincy, feels Aakash Chopra

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