Virat Kohli's absence will weaken the Indian team: Yasir Arafat

Virat Kohli has an incredible record against Pakistan in the One Day format as he has notched 459 runs in 12 matches at an average of 45.90 along with two centuries to his name. His highest score of 183 came in the 2012 Asia Cup in Bangladesh. However, in the upcoming edition of the multi-nation event, he won’t be part as he has been rested as a part of BCCI’s workload management of the players.

Rohit Sharma will lead the team in his absence. In the meantime, former Pakistani fast-bowler Yasir Arafat mentioned that the Indian team won’t spew the same venom without the Delhi-born cricketer. However, he also remarked that the conditions in the UAE won’t be alien to the Indians owing to the presence of quality spinners in their ranks.

This will be a fantastic game for a full house

“The conditions in the UAE will suit India as well and they have some very able spinners in their squad. Most of their players are also very experienced but all said and done, it would be fair to say that the Indian side will be weaker without the presence of Virat Kohli,” Arafat was quoted as saying in Business Recorder.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to cross swords in the tournament’s marquee clash on September 19 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Arafat reckons that the encounter won’t have any dearth of excitement and will be a memory to cherish for the players.

“All in all, this will be a fantastic game for a full house to watch and something memorable for the players as well,” the 36-year-old added.

Prior to the epic clash, Pakistan will play qualifier Hong Kong on September 16. Last time around in 2016, the Men in Green won two out of their four matches and bowed out of the event. Sarfraz Ahmed and Co will be keen to win the championship after their triumph in 2000 and 2012 respectively.

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