Atul Wassan’s Explosive Claim: Even India’s B Team Can Crush Pakistan!
- Ex-India bowler Atul Wassan claimed even India’s “B team” could beat Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025.
- Wassan said Pakistan are “weak” compared to India’s depth and don’t need Kohli or Rohit anymore.
- India have won 18 of their last 21 T20Is despite senior retirements.
- Pakistan’s poor batting show vs Oman raises concerns ahead of the September 14 India clash.
The anticipation for the India-Pakistan showdown in Asia Cup 2025 has taken a dramatic turn after a bold statement from former India fast bowler Atul Wassan. In a candid chat with CNN 18, Wassan claimed that India’s bench strength is so powerful that even a “B team” would comfortably beat Pakistan in the upcoming blockbuster clash.
India have been on a remarkable run since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, where veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bowed out of the shortest format. Many wondered if their absence would weaken the side, but results have shown otherwise. The Men in Blue have gone from strength to strength, winning 18 out of their last 21 T20 internationals with a new generation of superstars rising to the occasion.
Atul Wassan’s Bold Claim
Wassan didn’t mince words while labeling Pakistan as a “weak” side in contrast to India’s extraordinary talent pool.
“India’s B team will also beat this Pakistan team because things have changed. When we played in the 90s, they were a very good side. Now the boot is on the other foot,” Wassan remarked.
He further emphasized that the absence of Kohli and Rohit doesn’t affect India’s dominance anymore.
“I will not miss Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) because then I will start missing Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev also. The king is dead, long live the king. Things move, new superstars come in, and this embarrassment of riches… I feel sorry for the selectors because who’s to drop and who’s to pick,” he added.
India’s New-Age Stars Shine
The baton has now passed to the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who have emerged as match-winners on the international stage. In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy have proven to be game-changers, making the transition from senior bowlers seamless.
India’s strategy under new head coach Gautam Gambhir has leaned heavily on balance and depth, ensuring they have both firepower in batting and variety in bowling.
Pakistan Struggling to Find Rhythm
In stark contrast, Pakistan’s build-up has been far from convincing. In their opening Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman, their top order collapsed dramatically. Captain Salman Agha and highly rated batter Saim Ayub were dismissed for golden ducks, while only Mohammad Haris (66) showed some resistance.
The team eventually stumbled against Oman’s spinners, a worrying sign ahead of facing India’s world-class spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel.
With Pakistan yet to discover consistency, the pressure will be immense when they step into Dubai’s packed stadium on September 14 against an Indian side brimming with form and confidence.
