Virat Kohli’s absence a big relief for Pakistan, Sunil Gavaskar reminds of bitter memories ahead of IND vs PAK clash News24 –

India is prepped to play against Pakistan on September 14, Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be the first match between the two nations after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor afterwards. India is already in a strong position as they registered a dominant win against UAE in their first match while Pakistan also come in with positives as they won the tri-series and then their first match against Oman.

Ahead of the match in Asia Cup 2025, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar reminded Pakistan of bitter memories which Virat Kohli served. The two sixes off Haris Rauf which helped India win is the biggest nightmare for Pakistan.

“I’m 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? Then he hit those unbelievable two sixes off Haris Rauf to take India close to a win and then Ashwin finished it towards the end”, he told India Today.

“So 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,” he added.

“Well, at the end of the day, it’s the government that makes the call. Whatever decision the government takes, the players and the BCCI have to follow, and that’s exactly what has happened. It doesn’t matter what we personally think; ultimately, it’s the government’s decision, and that’s what is being implemented in this instance,” Gavaskar said.