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It is still too early to compare Babar Azam with one of all-time greats Virat Kohli: Wasim Akram

Virat Kohli has struggled for runs over the past two years but Pakistan legend Wasim Akram feels the former India captain remains one of the all-time greats and comparing Babar Azam with him is still a bit premature. All eyes will be on Kohli when India meet Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener in Dubai on Sunday. Kohli will come into the match with a fresh mind having taken a break for the away series against the West Indies. While Kohli has gone through an extended lean patch with no hundred since November 2019, the much younger Babar seems to be at the peak of his powers and doing well across formats. "First of all let me start by saying that criticism from Indian fans against Kohli has been unnecessary. He is one of the greatest of all times not just this era. He still fit as a fiddle. He is still one of the best fielders in the Indian squad. "As they say class is forever and that is Virat Kohli. Hope he doesn't come back to form against Pakistan but he will come back eventually," said Akram in a press conference organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster for Asia Cup.

"Aapne Bas Logo Ko Marna Hai": Shoaib Akhtar Reveals Message Before Facing India For First Time

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is abound with several interesting tales. Whenever the two teams face off, the focus and scrutiny are intense. With champion cricketers in both the sides, the competitive nature of the matches between the two sides is there for all to see. Shoaib Akhtar is one such cricketer who has been a great performer in India-Pakistan matches. His speed terrified batters around the world and it bamboozled India in a Test match in Kolkata in February, 1999.

Virender Sehwag Names Player Who Suggested His Name To Ganguly For Opener's Role

Virender Sehwag is considered one of the finest opening batters to have played for India. The Delhi star, who started his career in the middle order, made an instant impact when he was given an opportunity to open the innings for the country. He made his beginning as an opener in limited overs cricket but it was in Test cricket that he shone the brightest.

Sachin "Was Sledged By Afridi": Virender Sehwag Shares Details Of 2003 World Cup Knock

Sachin Tendulkar played one of the finest knocks of his career against Pakistan during the 2003 ICC World Cup. Tendulkar's combative knock of 98, in spite of facing severe cramps, helped set the foundation for a big chase, which was completed by the duo of Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh.

"Gave A Befitting Reply To Shoaib Akhtar": Virender Sehwag On Sachin Tendulkar's 2003 WC Knock

The upcoming Asia Cup will give cricket fans another opportunity to witness the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan. The match between the arch-rivals has always been a centre of attraction for the fans all over the world. Reminiscing his days with the Indian team, former batter Virender Sehwag termed the 2003 World Cup clash in Centurion, as one of the greatest matches against Pakistan, where Sachin Tendulkar led India's charge in a big chase with an amazing knock of 98 runs.

"Would Call Dinesh Karthik A Fine Finisher But...": Ex-India Captain On "Actual Finishers" In Team India

Dinesh Karthik's resurgence as a dependable T20 player has been nothing short of being inspirational. With consistent performances for his IPL franchise and the Indian cricket team, the veteran player is now a front-runner to be selected for the T20 World Cup. Karthik features prominently in India's 15-member Asia Cup squad. His performance as a backup wicketkeeper and a finisher will be closely watched in the days ahead. However, former Indian cricket team captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, while lauding Karthik's recent performances, has said the "actual finishers" in the side are someone else.

"Would Not Have Gone With...": Ex-India Captain On Player Who Could Have Been Excluded From Asia Cup Squad

Former Indian skipper and ex-chairman of the selection committee Krishnamachari Srikkanth said that had he been the chairman of selectors currently, pacer Mohammed Shami would have been a part of Men in Blue's squad for upcoming Asia Cup 2022, which will take place from August 27 onwards. The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Monday announced the 14-members squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. The much-anticipated Asia Cup cricket tournament will take place from August 27 this year. "In my team, Shami was literally there. If I was the Chairman of the selection committee, I think Shami would have been there and probably, I would not have gone with Ravi Bishnoi. But I still believe that Axar Patel was a serious contender in my team. It would have been a big toss-up between Axar Patel and Ashwin," said Srikkanth during the show 'Follow The Blues' on Star Sports.

Hardik Pandya eyes full-time India captaincy after completing Windies T20 series win

All-rounder Hardik Pandya said he is open to assuming the captaincy of the Indian team on a full-time basis after leading the side to a comprehensive victory in the final match of their Twenty20 series against West Indies.

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It is still too early to compare Babar Azam with one of all-time greats Virat Kohli: Wasim Akram

"Aapne Bas Logo Ko Marna Hai": Shoaib Akhtar Reveals Message Before Facing India For First Time

Virender Sehwag Names Player Who Suggested His Name To Ganguly For Opener's Role

Sachin "Was Sledged By Afridi": Virender Sehwag Shares Details Of 2003 World Cup Knock

"Gave A Befitting Reply To Shoaib Akhtar": Virender Sehwag On Sachin Tendulkar's 2003 WC Knock

"Would Call Dinesh Karthik A Fine Finisher But...": Ex-India Captain On "Actual Finishers" In Team India

"Would Not Have Gone With...": Ex-India Captain On Player Who Could Have Been Excluded From Asia Cup Squad

Hardik Pandya eyes full-time India captaincy after completing Windies T20 series win