India definitely have edge over Pakistan: Former Indian cricketer

Hyderabad: Former Indian cricketer from Hyderabad Arshad Ayub felt that India have a balanced side and are favourites to win the T20 World Cup. With India set to open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24, the former off-spinner said India have an edge over the arch-rivals. Speaking on India’s combination, the 63-year-old said, […]

Hyderabad: Former Indian cricketer from Hyderabad Arshad Ayub felt that India have a balanced side and are favourites to win the T20 World Cup. With India set to open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24, the former off-spinner said India have an edge over the arch-rivals.

Speaking on India’s combination, the 63-year-old said, “India always have a chance given that we got a good side. It is just about coming together at the right time.” When asked about which team can provide a tough challenge for India’s chances, he opined, “I think the only threat I feel could be from the West Indies. We have been seeing that the West Indies, especially in World Cups, burst out and play real good cricket at serious times.”

Speaking about the team’s combination, he opined that Hardik Pandya not bowling will affect the team’s balance. “Hardik bowling gives India that cushion to go with an extra batter. But I don’t know whether he can make it to the team (without bowling). But Hardik has not been in great form with the bat. When he gets going, he can be great. But it is all up to the management how they think about him. Ishan Kishan is also in good form but his inclusion is a tricky one with Pant in the team, Kishan can’t keep the wickets. He has to come in as a batsman. I feel there are other players who got more secured places. If other players fail, he can be given a chance.

“In the bowling department, we have got a very good combination as of today. Ashwin being there as a senior player and over the period of time, we have played a lot of IPL there (in UAE) and the wickets will definitely be on a slower side. Spinners might play a bigger role.”

On the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash, the former Hyderabad Cricket Association president said, “It will be an exciting match as Pakistan have never won against us in World Cups. But they are a flamboyant team. Sometimes they can play really good cricket and other times they can be lacklustre. We don’t know how they will react on that particular day. But we definitely have an advantage as we have a good balanced side. Pakistan have one or two good batters but the bowlers are little bit inexperienced. Their unpredictability and it being a T20 game makes it interesting,” he added.

Ayub, who played 13 Tests and 32 ODIs for India, had played a crucial role picking five wickets for 21 against Pakistan and led India to victory in Asia Cup in Bangladesh in 1988. Speaking about his memorable moment and the rivalry between two nations during his playing days, he revealed, “The rivalry is always there on the ground. We did well in our time. The competition is always intense and the crowd gets really excited about it.”

He picked India winning the 2007 T20 World Cup with victory over Pakistan in a close final as his favourite moment. When asked whether India should play Pakistan regularly other than in ICC events, he felt cricket should be played with all countries.

“I think that is a comment which I don’t have to say anything about. But cricket has to be played with all the nations. It is something which everybody enjoys.’’

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