Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin feels Pakistan team is way behind India but still suggested a comical solution for them if they wish to win the Asia Cup 2025 final. Dubai is poised for a monumental cricketing event as India and Pakistan prepare to clash in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This highly anticipated match marks the first Asia Cup final between the two arch-rivals in 41 years.
R Ashwin indirectly mock Pakistan team ahead of Asia Cup final
Ahead of the game, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave a clear assessment, stating that India hold a massive advantage, believing Pakistan lags significantly in terms of both quality and consistency. The contrasting journeys of the two teams in this tournament make this difference stark. India enters the final with an unbeaten record, having convincingly defeated Pakistan twice already. In contrast, the Men in Green had to battle through close encounters against both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to secure their spot.
The decisive factor in India’s dominance has been their exceptional batting firepower. This attack is spearheaded by opener Abhishek Sharma, whose form has been unstoppable; he has smashed three consecutive fifties at a blistering strike rate over 200. On the flip side, Pakistan’s crucial middle order has struggled profoundly throughout the tournament, averaging under 19 runs per wicket from positions three to six, highlighting a key area of weakness going into the final.
Suryakumar Yadav under pressure?
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav enters the final facing pressure, as he's only managed to score 71 runs across five innings in the tournament. On the other side, Pakistan's hopes will heavily rest on their all-rounders, Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz, who have been crucial in successfully completing difficult chases for the team. Additionally, star pacer Shaheen Afridi's ability to contribute with powerful hitting down the order will be vital for Pakistan. However, their task remains formidable against India's world-class spin attack in Dubai, led by the lethal trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, who have been particularly effective during the death overs.
India's superior depth and composure firmly establish them as the overwhelming favorites, but Pakistan will be determined to defy the odds and rewrite history on the night. The tension extends beyond the boundary, fueled by political drama and recent controversies, including on-field no-handshake incidents and provocative gestures by Pakistani players, making this final an event charged with emotions far beyond a simple game of cricket.
High voltage India-Pakistan drama on cards
As Dubai prepares to host this historic India-Pakistan encounter—where skill, nerves, drama, and pressure will all be at their peak—veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has boldly backed the Men in Blue to lift the trophy. In a viral video, Ashwin didn't just back his side; he mocked the Men in Green, pointing out the significant gap in quality between the two teams. On paper and current form, India’s firepower and composure make Pakistan look like they are playing catch-up. Ashwin humorously predicted that Pakistan would need nothing short of a miracle to beat India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, jokingly suggesting that the only way Pakistan could win the trophy is if India decided to pull out of the match.
Pakistan team is a long, longway behind this Indian team: R Ashwin
“This Pakistan team is a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long way behind this Indian team. If Pakistan wants to win this Asia Cup, the best way for Pakistan to win this Asia Cup is if India doesn't play this Asia Cup,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.