Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq believes Virat Kohli was not looking confident even after getting set in the team’s opening match against Pakistan on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Kohli scored 35 runs off 34 balls in the run-chase of 148 runs against the Men in Green.
However, Kohli did struggle with his timing in the early phase of his innings as there were a couple of inside edges. The right-hander also failed to find the gaps to score his runs at a brisk pace.
However, he did time the ball to perfection on a few occasions but the former Indian skipper played a forgettable shot to get out. Kohli advanced down the track against Mohammad Nawaz and it looked as if he had double thoughts about that shot. The 32-year-old ended up hitting straight to the long-off throat.
“There was a lot of pressure on Kohli yesterday. Usually, it is difficult to dismiss a set batter, but I was surprised to see yesterday that Kohli was not looking confident even after getting set,” Inzamam said on his YouTube channel.
On the other hand, Inzamam was surprised to note the exclusion of Rishabh Pant from India’s playing XI. Dinesh Karthik was preferred ahead of Pant against Pakistan.
“India’s middle order and lower middle order is very strong. That is what sets them apart from the other teams in this Asia Cup. I was surprised that India chose to bench Rishabh Pant. The combination of Pant, Pandya and Jadeja is very dangerous. It was difficult to chase down 11 runs an over on this pitch, but they played really well,” the former Pakistan captain said.
Meanwhile, the former batter wants the Pakistan selection panel to find better batsmen for the middle order.
“The selection committee and the management should do something about the middle order. The team seems to crumble after Fakhar Zaman gets out at No.3. They need to find proper solid batters for No.4 and No.5 spots. Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah are better suited in the lower middle order.”
India will take on Hong Kong in their second match of Asia Cup 2022 on Wednesday.
