IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan have narrowed the gap against India, says Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that India have a slight edge over Pakistan in the forthcoming 2023 Asia Cup match in Pallekele.

However, he also acknowledged that Pakistan have substantially improved and bridged the gap with their Indian counterparts. India will begin their 2023 Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2. The match is scheduled to start at 3 pm IST.

“India starts as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo. He further accentuated the strength and experience of the Indian line-up and marked captain Rohit Sharma’s seasoned understanding of the game as a significant advantage. “And a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most,” he said.

Despite India’s advantage, Shastri did not hesitate to acknowledge Pakistan’s progress. He said, “Seven-eight years [ago], there was a gap if you looked at the strength of both teams and man to man. But Pakistan have narrowed it down. They are a very good side, so you have to be on top of your game.”

Discussing the high-pressure equation characteristic of India vs Pakistan matches, Shastri pointed out that more than player form, it is the player’s temperament that could be the game-changer. Managing subconscious pressures and maintaining a clear thought process is the key to success in such high-stakes encounters, according to Shastri.

Drawing attention towards the mental toughness required at such times, he explained, “That’s what’s important, keeping calm and treating it as just another game. And not overhype it in your mind that makes you think differently. Your game has to be the same as it would be in any other game. But because of that subconscious pressure, it’s the mentally tough guys who normally get it right.

“And never go by form before an India-Pakistan game, because the tough-minded, mentally strong guys might not have done much six months back, but come the India-Pakistan game, they will come [to the fore]. They know the importance of that game, they know where it can catapult them if they do well. Their juices will be fired up.”