'Even die-hard cricket fans won’t know the names': Former India cricketer's scathing remark on Pakistan team ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup clash

After undergoing a significant transitional phase, the young Pakistan T20I team is competing in the Asia Cup 2025 with a new-look squad. The team, which no longer includes former mainstays Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, is led by Salman Ali Agha. This tournament marks a rare occasion where Pakistan are not considered the favorites, offering a chance for new players like Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Hasan Nawaz to establish themselves on the international stage. A few experienced players from the previous core, including Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman, have retained their places in the side.

Nikhil Chopra's bold remark on young Pakistan team

Meanwhile, former India spinner Nikhil Chopra talked about the stark contrast between this current team and the legendary Pakistan side of the 1990s. Chopra noted that while the previous generation of players achieved widespread fame and recognition, the present squad has yet to earn that same level of household name status.

“And no disrespect to the Pakistan side, but if you look at their team and ask any kid on the streets to name their top three or top four players, some of these kids, even die-hard cricket fans who follow the T20 format, won’t know the names. But if you ask them about the ’90s cricket heroes from Pakistan, they’ll remember," Chopra said on NDTV.

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During commentary, Chopra praised India's Asia Cup squad, highlighting that every player is a proven match-winner, a fact demonstrated by their strong performances in the IPL. He specifically mentioned the difficult decision to omit talented young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, emphasizing the tough choices faced by the selectors.

This praise came after India’s dominant opening match in the Asia Cup 2025. The Indian bowling attack dismantled the UAE, bowling them out for a mere 57 runs in just 13.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the star with the ball, taking four wickets, while Shivam Dube claimed three. In their chase, India wrapped up the chase in just 4.3 overs with the loss of just one wicket.

“The difference is, when you look at the 11 or you look at the 15 for India, there are match winners, experienced players, and world-beating stars. The Indian team, whether you view it from an IPL perspective or in terms of T20 performances, is stacked with talent. Somebody like Yashasvi Jaiswal has not even got an opportunity in the 15, so you can imagine the good headache Ajit Agarkar and the rest of the team management have,” Nikhil concluded.