Does India's Well-rounded Squad Give Them an Edge Over Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India boasts a well-rounded squad with depth in batting.
- Shifting bowling strategies from Pakistan focus more on spin.
- Each player's contribution is vital for success.
- Respect for opponents is crucial in high-stakes matches.
- Competitive spirit defines the India-Pakistan rivalry.
New Delhi, Sep 14 (NationPress) As India prepares to face their long-standing rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup, former wicketkeeper-batter Surinder Khanna asserts that the Men in Blue possess a more balanced and comprehensive squad, which could provide them a significant advantage over their opponents.
The highly anticipated showdown occurs in Dubai this Sunday, with both teams arriving after convincing victories in their respective opening matches—India triumphed over UAE, while Pakistan defeated Oman.
"The Indian team appears very well-rounded. In today’s match, India seems to have the upper hand due to our strong squad composition. We have three all-rounders and depth in batting up to the eighth and ninth positions. In T20, where the pace is frantic, teams have little time to recover," Khanna shared with IANS.
Khanna also pointed out a notable evolution in Pakistan’s bowling tactics over the past 15 years, indicating that the team, once famed for its pace bowlers, now leans heavily on spinners.
"In the last decade and a half, I’ve noticed that Pakistan has shifted from a reliance on potent pacers to more spinners. The effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain. Nonetheless, I believe India has the advantage over Pakistan in today’s match," he remarked.
The former cricketer emphasized the necessity for a collective team effort and cautioned against underestimating the opponent. "Every player must contribute—batting, bowling, and fielding must all be top-notch if we aim to secure a victory," Khanna advised.
"You can never take the opposition lightly, regardless of their perceived strength. The key is to perform at our highest level. Matches against Pakistan are always intense and competitive, and it’s crucial to respect every opponent," he concluded.