Veteran fast bowler, Umar Gul feels Virat Kohli’s omission from the India squad will give Pakistan an upper hand, when they meet in the Asia Cup Group A game at Dubai.
Meanwhile, BCCI have decided to rest Kohli to manage his workload. Many feel that Kohli’s omission will prove to be critical for India considering Pakistan’s fast bowling unit. And now, Umar Gul is the latest to join the bandwagon.
Gul, speaking on the same lines admitted the Virat Kohli’s will have repercussions on Team India. However, he also mentioned that despite Kohli’s absence, India are a tough side to beat.
“Virat Kohli is the greatest batsman in the world. Thus, his absence will have an effect on the strength of the Indian side and also their morale,” Umar Gul said.
“The Indian side facing Pakistan will still be a tough side to beat with some excellent quality batsmen led by their captain Rohit Sharma. But Pakistan’s bowling attack, used to operating in the UAE should be able to negate any threat from the opposition,” he added.
Pakistan will have an edge
Umar Gul, moreover, feels the Green Caps will have a slight edge considering they have practiced a lot in these conditions. He feels it will be easier for Pakistan to cope up than India.
“There is no doubt that the best players not only from India and Pakistan but from all other Asian teams are now in UAE to help their team win the trophy, but I believe that Pakistan will have a slight advantage here,” he said.
“The problem is the heat and I feel that Pakistan, due to the fact that they have trained hard in very hot conditions back home and also in UAE, will find it easier to cope with the weather there. India’s players may find the conditions too uncomfortable and that may give Pakistan an upper hand,” Umar Gul concluded.