{"id":142352,"date":"2025-09-14T10:27:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T10:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/142352\/"},"modified":"2025-09-14T10:27:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T10:27:08","slug":"gavaskar-sends-straight-message-to-pakistan-ahead-of-asia-cup-mentioning-virat-kohli-cricket-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/142352\/","title":{"rendered":"Gavaskar Sends Straight Message To Pakistan Ahead of Asia Cup, Mentioning Virat Kohli | Cricket News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last Updated:September 14, 2025, 12:05 IST<\/p>\n

Sunil Gavaskar says Pakistan bowlers will be relieved not to face Virat Kohli in the Asia Cup after his T20I retirement, recalling his iconic innings.\"rapid<\/a>\"font\"\"Virat<\/p>\n

Virat Kohli retired after playing 123 Tests. (PTI Photo)<\/p>\n

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has said that Virat Kohli has played some fabulous innings against Pakistan and their bowlers would be glad not to have to bowl to the star Indian batter in Sunday\u2019s Asia Cup clash, with Kohli having retired from the shortest format.<\/p>\n

In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Pakistan appeared to be on the brink of a win against India, but Kohli<\/a>\u2019s two towering sixes off Haris Rauf flipped the game.<\/p>\n

After India clinched the T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is. Whether it is the Asia Cup or next year\u2019s T20 World Cup, Pakistan wouldn\u2019t face Kohli on the field.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they will be pretty happy not to have to bowl to him. Because we have seen some fabulous innings. What about that Melbourne innings, when the match looked lost as far as India was concerned?” Gavaskar questioned while speaking to\u00a0India Today.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThen he (Kohli) hit those unbelievable two sixes off Haris Rauf to take India close to a win and then Ashwin finished it towards the end,” Gavaskar said.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s current lineup boasts some of the world\u2019s top batters. Stars like skipper Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson don\u2019t need an introduction, while opener Abhishek Sharma holds the No. 1 spot in T20I rankings.<\/p>\n

Yet, Gavaskar believes Pakistan\u2019s cricketers will feel a sense of relief knowing they no longer have to face Kohli.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo yes, if I were a Pakistani, I would certainly be breathing a lot easier. That they are not playing against Kohli. Kohli, the cricketer, not just the batter,” Gavaskar said.<\/p>\n

When asked about the calls to \u2018boycott\u2019 the India vs Pakistan game, the former Indian cricketer emphasised the importance of following the guidance of the Indian government.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at the end of the day, it\u2019s the government that makes the call. Whatever decision the government takes, the players and the BCCI have to follow and that\u2019s exactly what has happened,” Gavaskar said.<\/p>\n

First Published:<\/p>\n

September 14, 2025, 12:03 IST<\/p>\n

News<\/a> cricket<\/a> Gavaskar Sends Straight Message To Pakistan Ahead of Asia Cup, Mentioning Virat KohliDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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