India vs Pakistan: "When Somebody Passes Comments Like This...": Babar Azam Reacts To Virat Kohli's Statement On Him Ahead Of Asia Cup Clash

31.08.2023 - 07:23 sports.ndtv.com

India vs Pakistan - the biggest of cricket matches is here. On Saturday, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team will face Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team in Sri Lanka.

The India vs Pakistan match is always a closely watched affair. This time the match holds extra significance as it gives the teams chances to test their combination against each other ahead of the World Cup 2023.

The India vs Pakistan, in that way, is going to be a blockbuster. Ahead of the match Pakistan captain Babar Azam talked about the time when Virat Kohli praised him. "Feels really good, when somebody passes comments like this.

The way Virat Kohli has given comments, for me it is a proud moment. I felt really good. When you get praised like this, you get confidence.

cricket India Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team Asia Cup 2023 India vs Pakistan cup on Virat Kohli Babar Azam Rohit Sharma Star Sports India Sri Lanka state Indiana Pakistan

On the eve of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023 clash, captain Babar Azam said that he has "learned a lot from Virat Kohli". Notably, both the batters are often compared to each other for their batting brilliance. However, both of them share mutual respect for each other on and off the field. Last month, Virat admitted that he has always held a lot of regard as well as respect for the top ODI batter.

Watch: Virat Kohli's Meeting With Haris Rauf Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023 Match Wins Hearts

The cricket fans and experts are all talking about the on-field rivalry as India and Pakistan face each other in a much-anticipated match in Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday. The two sides have not played a bilateral series for more than a decade and as a result, any game between these traditional rivals gives rise of huge fanfare and debates. However, no rivalry was on display as Virat Kohli met Haris Rauf during the practice session of both sides. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Kohli can be seen interacting with Rauf as the two cricketers hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries. It was the first meeting of the duo since Kohli slammed a memorable six off Rauf's bowling at the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: The Contest That Might Decide India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Clash - What Stats Say

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam - They are two protagonists of the season's first India vs Pakistan clash, an Asia Cup 2023 match set to take place on September 2. Together they are the brightest of batting talents in the sob-continents. They are proven performers for the Indian and Pakistan cricket teams and their performances with the bat will go on to decide the Asia Cup 2023 clash on Saturday in Sri Lanka. The contest will also give the teams confidence ahead of the Cricket World Cup.

India Versus Pakistan, Asia Cup: Task Cut Out For Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill And Virat Kohli vs Pakistan's Pace Trio

India's top-order, consisting the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, faces a stern test at the expense of Pakistan's pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf when both team face-off in a Group A match of the ongoing Asia Cup on Saturday in Kandy. In recent times, Indian openers have struggled to negate the threat possessed by left-arm pacers, including Shaheen. In the past few meetings between the two sides, the Pakistan pacers have proved to be a tough nut to crack.

India vs Pakistan: Not Virat Kohli! Ex-Pakistan Pacer Warns Babar And Co About This India Batter Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023 Clash

The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 is just round the corner and fans cannot wait for the two teams to resume their rivalry on the field. With the two sides not playing bilateral series for almost a decade, the only chance that fans have of watching these two teams face each other are continental and International Cricket Council (ICC) competitions. Ahead of the match, former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz pointed out the Indian cricket team batter that can prove to be a key asset against Pakistan when the two teams come face-to-face on Saturday.

Who Will Trouble Babar Azam? Kaif Picks This Indian Bowler. It's Not Jasprit Bumrah

Former Indian cricket team star Mohammed Kaif believes that pacer Mohammed Shami can cause problems for Babar Azam when India take on Pakistan in their first match of Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday. In a recent interaction, Kaif explained that Shami managed the bowling well when Jasprit Bumrah was out of action due to injury and with the fast bowler enjoying a good run of form, he can prove to be a key asset for the Rohit Sharma-led side in the high-voltage match against Pakistan.