“An unexpected hero can be Tilak Varma” - Ravi Ashwin opens up ahead of India vs Pakistan clash

Former Indian spinner and cricket analyst Ravi Ashwin has opened up on the Indian line-up for the much-awaited clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that since everyone in the Indian line-up has been playing well, there are not many Indian players who can surprise with their performance against the Men In Green.

Furthermore, he also felt that an unexpected hero in the game against Pakistan could be Tilak Varma. Moreover, he also reckoned that someone like Arshdeep Singh could get a chance in the playing XI.

“I don't think there are many options for someone who can surprise me from India. All of them have performed well and the team is amazing top to bottom. An unexpected hero can be Tilak Varma. Because he has not had an opportunity to bat, and no one knows when it will come. But I hope that unexpected hero comes from the bench, that is Arshdeep Singh. Because everyone thinks he might not play,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“India will go hard. Abhishek Sharma will go hard. He would not take a step back. Pakistan with against spin with their bat have also not been amazing. If they go to attack a lot, then they will find themselves in trouble against this Indian team,” he added.

India started off the Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a nine-wicket win against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates. On the other hand, Pakistan defeated Oman by 93 runs in their campaign opener.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!