Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns over Pakistan’s spin attack ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan.
Calling it a major threat to India’s batting, Manjrekar praised Pakistan’s bowling combination and said it could pose serious challenges for Indian batters, especially on the spin-friendly pitches of Dubai.
Manjrekar stated that Pakistan’s current bowling lineup stands out and could force Indian batters to adjust their approach. “I really like Pakistan’s bowling setup. Given that it’s India vs Pakistan, this spin attack could force Indian batters to think differently,” he said. However, he also pointed out that Pakistan’s batting lineup still needs improvement to be considered fully balanced.
Pakistan enters the game in good form, having recently won a tri-nation series and securing a dominant 93-run victory over Oman in their Asia Cup opener.
Meanwhile, the high-voltage match is also drawing attention off the field. A growing boycott campaign on Indian social media has reportedly reached the Indian dressing room, sparking extended discussions between players and head coach Gautam Gambhir. According to Indian media, those conversations went beyond strategy, reflecting the pressure surrounding the political backdrop of the encounter.
Despite the surrounding tension, Indian team officials remain adamant that the squad’s focus is solely on cricket. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai that the players are fully concentrated on the match. “There’s been political tension, but the team is locked in on the game,” he said. “When the BCCI aligned itself with the government’s decision to proceed with the match, we knew our only job was to concentrate on cricket.”
When asked whether the players were affected by the recent border conflict between India and Pakistan, Kotak replied that the team is mentally prepared and undistracted. Assistant coaches echoed similar sentiments, adding that in matches like these, the intensity begins well before the first ball is bowled.
India and Pakistan will face off tonight in what will be their first meeting since the border tensions flared in May 2025. With both teams eager to assert dominance and millions watching around the world, all eyes are on Dubai as cricket’s biggest rivalry resumes once again.
