No Kohli, No Nightmares? Gavaskar Says Pakistan Bowlers Can Finally Relax!
- Sunil Gavaskar believes Pakistan bowlers will feel relieved not facing Virat Kohli in Asia Cup 2025.
- Kohli retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win, ending his epic T20 career.
- Gavaskar recalled Kohli’s unforgettable MCG knock vs Pakistan in 2022 T20 World Cup.
- India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash is set for September 14 in Dubai.
The countdown to the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai on September 14 has already begun, and cricketing conversations are heating up. Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on the build-up, claiming that the Pakistan bowlers will be “relieved” not to face Virat Kohli this time around.
Kohli, who retired from T20 internationals after India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, has left behind a legacy in the shortest format that few can match. His absence will certainly change the dynamics of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
Memories of Melbourne Still Fresh
The former Indian captain’s record against Pakistan in ICC tournaments has been nothing short of remarkable. One of his most iconic innings came at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2022, when India needed 40 runs in the last 18 balls. Against all odds, Kohli produced a masterclass, smashing two audacious sixes off Haris Rauf in the penultimate over before Ravichandran Ashwin sealed the deal in dramatic fashion.
Recalling that unforgettable knock, Gavaskar told India Today:
“I’m sure they will be pretty happy not to have to bowl to him. What about that Melbourne innings, when the match looked lost? Then he hit those unbelievable two sixes off Haris Rauf and turned the game on its head.”
India’s New Powerhouse Line-Up
With Kohli stepping away from T20Is, India will rely on a new generation of stars. The team boasts firepower in the form of Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, and the newly crowned No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma.
Gavaskar, however, emphasized that while India still possesses world-class talent, Kohli’s presence was unique.
“So yes, if I were a Pakistani, I would certainly be breathing a lot easier. That they are not playing against Kohli. Kohli, the cricketer, not just the batter.”
Political Angle Around the Clash
The build-up to every India-Pakistan game brings with it political undertones. Amid calls for a boycott from some sections, Gavaskar kept his stance simple: follow the government’s directive.
“At the end of the day, it’s the government that makes the call. Whatever decision they take, the players and the BCCI have to follow. It doesn’t matter what we personally think; ultimately, it’s the government’s decision.”
Why This Match Still Matters
Even without Kohli, the India-Pakistan encounter promises fireworks. The Asia Cup has always been a platform for high-pressure cricket, and with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, both teams will be keen to make a statement.
While Pakistan may no longer have to deal with Kohli’s brilliance, they will still face a formidable Indian batting line-up led by Sharma and Yadav. On the other side, Pakistan’s pace battery featuring Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will look to make early inroads.
One thing is for certain—Virat Kohli’s shadow will loom large over Dubai, even in his absence.
