Champions Trophy final loss will not be a baggage for Team India, says Ravi Ashwin

India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns in the ongoing Asia Cup on Wednesday and no wonder it will be a blockbuster clash. The world waits for the arch-rivals to face off and after what happened in the Champions Trophy final last year, there is more to this encounter. While the Men in Blue will be eager to give it back, Pakistan must be keen to start a new chapter and continue winning against them in the major tournaments. However, Ravi Ashwin feels that Team India will no be under any pressure going into the high-octane clash.

Ashwin was the part of the team which lost the final last year and it was indeed a clinical performance from Sarfraz Ahmed and his men. Since then they have improved a lot as well and are touted as the favourites to win the Asia Cup forget the match against India. Much to the excitement of the fans, it will also not be a one-off match between both the teams as they are most likely to face each other within the next four days once again.

India will give their best

Ravi Ashwin believed that both India and Pakistan are extremely strong teams and it will be a close clash. When asked about India’s loss last year to them, he was of the opinion that they won’t be carrying it into their mind when on the field. Moreover, the off-spinner felt that it will only inspire the players to give their best on the day.

“I do believe, man-to-man we are a very strong unit compared to most teams around the world. I don’t think the Champions Trophy final loss will be a baggage on any player. If anything it will only spur them on to dish out their best in the Asia Cup,” he said while speaking to India Today in their special program ‘Salaam Cricket’.

Interestingly, he also played down the hype of playing against Pakistan and said that this Indian team doesn’t pay much heed and take it as the only other game. “Having been with this Indian team for quite some time now, the hype of playing against Pakistan doesn’t really matter,” Ashwin added.

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