‘One step at a time’ - Rahul Dravid opens up on India’s strategy for Pakistan games following Asia Cup schedule announcement

The schedule for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 was finally announced on Wednesday, July 19. With Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosting the much-anticipated event, the 50-over Asia Cup could be just what the fans want, as it will feature some of the best Asian teams facing off against one another for the coveted title. 

The much-anticipated contest between India and Pakistan will be held in Kandy and played on September 2. Furthermore, there is also the possibility that both India and Pakistan could face each other in the event thrice. Both teams are drawn in the same group (A), and they could meet again if both qualify for the Super Four of the tournament.

With the announcement of the schedule being made, team India head coach Rahul Dravid came forward to talk about India’s game plan in the Asia Cup. Dravid was of the opinion that while the entire team will want to go on to win the title, the plan is to perform at the peak of their powers in the group stages first.

"The schedule is out. You have to qualify for the Super Fours to play Pakistan three times. One step at a time, I don't believe in counting my chickens too much, I know we are going to play Pakistan and Nepal in the first two games, so we need to focus on that. We need to win those games and see where the tournament goes. If we get the opportunity to play them three times, it's fantastic. That would mean we reach the final of the tournament and hopefully, Pakistan do too," Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI. 

🎥 With the #AsiaCup2023 fixtures announced, here's what #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid said 🔽 pic.twitter.com/ycEWukD5zW

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 19, 2023

It would be a great contest: Dravid

Furthermore, Dravid also opined on how the team has their sights set on the title but also reflected on the importance of playing their best cricket in the earlier stages in order to make it to the knockout rounds and eventually the summit clash.

"It would be a great contest, and we certainly want to play right up to the final and win it. But we need to take the first two steps to do that," Dravid said.