Indian brigade capable of handling Pakistan pacers, says Gavaskar

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels Indian batting is equipped to handle Pakistan pacers, who will have to deal with the dashing opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan when the arch-rivals clash in Asia Cup on Saturday.

“Pakistan will have to deal with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, both have been in good form. Shikhar might not have scored runs in Bangladesh but he has done well against the Sri Lankans and Australians and Rohit has been simply outstanding.

Virat will also figure in there but he might not get many overs if Rohit and Shikhar get going,” said Gavaskar.

“India also have a good new ball attack with Nehra being the experienced campaigner. Jasprit Bumrah bowls the under the bat ball and he is very good with it and also Hardik Pandya also can be lively as well.

“So lets not get carried away with Pakistan bowling attack and have faith in our new ball attack. Because in batting if you see, Indian batting are better capable of handling Pakistan pace attack then Pakistan batting is capable of handling Indian attack,” the 66-year-old told a news channel.

India and Pakistan will clash in the World T20 opener on March 19 and Gavaskar said the Asia Cup encounter on Saturday will set the tone for that match.

“India and Pakistan play in the ICC World T20 and they would want that campaign to be on a winning note as well. So anything that happens in Asia Cup, whether this match or if they meet at the finals, will set the tone for that match as well, it will set the confidence level for both the teams. So this match will be vital,” he said.