Danish Kaneria: Should India Embrace Kohli-era Fitness and Fielding Standards to Defeat Pakistan in Asia Cup Final?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India needs to enhance fielding and middle-order performance.
- Kaneria emphasizes the importance of fitness standards.
- The final is a historic first for India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
- Fans are eagerly anticipating the match.
- Key strategies will determine the outcome.
New Delhi, Sep 28 (NationPress) Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has sent a warning to Team India as they gear up for the much-awaited Asia Cup final against Pakistan, emphasizing that the favorites should not underestimate their rivals.
In an interview with IANS, Kaneria pointed out that India's fielding and middle-order performance could be crucial in the final showdown.
“This final promises to be thrilling. Underestimating Pakistan is not an option. India may be favored, but its fielding and middle order are areas of concern. During Virat Kohli’s leadership, India's fielding and fitness levels were exceptional.
They must enhance their efforts in these areas,” Kaneria remarked.
He reminisced about the time Kohli captained India, highlighting how the team's discipline, fitness, and precise fielding often turned the tide in close matches.
Kaneria noted that while India possesses a powerful batting lineup and a strong bowling unit, any deficiencies in the middle order or on the field could provide Pakistan an opening.
As fans across the subcontinent eagerly await the final, social media is buzzing with discussions on team tactics, player conditions, and significant match-ups.
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final is set to take place at 8:00 PM IST on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. This match marks the inaugural India-Pakistan final in Asia Cup history, spanning 17 editions and 41 years.
Where to Watch:
Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website.
Telecast in India: Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 1 HD, Ten 5, Ten 5 HD.
Regional Language Broadcast: Ten 3 (Hindi), Ten 3 HD (Hindi), Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu)
Squads:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.