Aakash Chopra opens up on Pakistan’s struggles against Indian spinners in Asia Cup 2025 clash

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Pakistan’s struggles against Indian spinners in the Asia Cup clash. India secured a comprehensive seven-wicket win against the arch rivals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday to register their second win of the tournament.

Indian spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took six out of the nine wickets to restrict Pakistan at 127-9 in 20 overs after Salman Agha decided to bat first. Yadav was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with figures of 3-18 in his quota of four overs and thus picked the Player of the Match award. 

Furthermore, Axar Patel bagged 2-18 in his spell of four overs whereas Varun Chakravarthy took 1-24 in his four overs.

Pakistan batters could not read the Indian spinners on a spin-friendly pitch and the Indian trio were able to deliver the goods.

Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “If you are not reading spin from the hand to begin with… Yes, there will be talk about aggression and playing a different brand of cricket. But, spin will embarrass you. It’s not easy to put the ball in the gap, take singles and rotate strike. That can happen if you are reading the ball from the hand – your feet are moving nicely, you are getting in the right position.”

The renowned commentator highlighted that Pakistan batters had no idea on which way the ball was going to turn.

“If you are searching which way the ball is going to turn and your first thought is to protect your wicket, because you have no idea, then singles are not going to come by. That exactly has happened with this Pakistan batting line-up. They just looked clueless. Initially, went too hard too soon… They were 42 in the first six overs after going hell for leather. In the next 10, I think they got 40-odd runs.”

India will next take on Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.