‘The King is dead…’ Atul Wassan’s bold remark ignites IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Buzz News24 –
As the build-up to the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 intensifies, former India pacer Atul Wassan has stirred the pot with a fiery statement that’s sure to spark debate on both sides of the border.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated match at the Dubai International Stadium, Wassan claimed that India’s bench strength is now so formidable that even without icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, a “B team” could comfortably defeat Pakistan.
“India’s B team will also beat this Pakistan team because things have changed. When we played in the 90s, they were a very good side. Now the boot is on the other foot,” Wassan said while speaking to CNN-18.
India’s Depth on Full Display
Wassan’s comments might sound bold, but they reflect the current reality of Indian T20 cricket. Since Kohli and Rohit stepped away from the format following the 2024 T20 World Cup, the next generation has stepped up in style. India have won 18 of their last 21 T20Is, often without their biggest names, showcasing the country’s incredible depth and talent pipeline.
Names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have seamlessly slotted into the top order, while in the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy have emerged as consistent match-winners. This new core has made it clear that the future is in good hands.
“I will not miss Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) because then I will start missing Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev also. The king is dead, long live the king. Things move, new superstars come in, and this embarrassment of riches… I feel sorry for the selectors because who’s to drop and who’s to pick,” Wassan added.
India’s dominance over Pakistan in ICC and regional tournaments only bolsters the former cricketer’s confidence and fans, too, have grown used to India bringing their A-game whenever the rivalry heats up.
Pakistan: Inconsistency and Nerves
On the other side, Pakistan’s recent form doesn’t inspire much confidence, despite their 93-run win over Oman in their opening Group A match. Captain Salman Agha and Saim Ayub, two of their key batters, were both dismissed for golden ducks, and the team’s middle-order woes remain glaring.
Only Mohammad Haris (66) stood out with the bat, as others struggled against Oman’s spinners – a troubling sign considering India’s potent spin attack featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy awaits them next.
Pakistan’s bowling, usually a strength, has also looked shaky in the absence of experienced pace spearheads, and their inexperienced core may find it hard to match the composure and versatility of India’s line-up.
A Clash of Benchmarks, Not Just Teams
This India vs Pakistan clash is no longer just about bragging rights – it’s becoming a benchmark for how deep and well-prepared each cricketing nation truly is. India’s structure continues to produce match-ready players by the dozen, while Pakistan appears to be in transition, searching for the right combinations and consistency.
Atul Wassan’s comments may come across as provocative, but in a way, they also highlight the growing gulf in team depth and development systems between the two sides.
One thing’s for sure – when the two teams walk out on Sunday, it won’t just be about skills. Pride, pressure, and public sentiment will be at an all-time high.