Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his excitement ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and India, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai.

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed as a player to watch out for but cautioned that he will face his toughest challenge yet against India’s in-form batting line-up.

“I am definitely looking forward to the contest between Abrar Ahmed and our Indian team,” Ashwin said.

“In modern-day cricket, it’s difficult to bowl as slowly as he does, but recently, Abrar produced a match-winning performance by picking up four wickets against the UAE. He bowls googlies, carrom balls, and other variations. Still, he must find a way to succeed against India.”

Ashwin also pointed out that Pakistani players, including Abrar, don’t get exposure against Indian cricketers due to the absence of Pakistan in the IPL. For the young spinner, the clash will serve as both a test and a learning curve.

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Spotlight on Pakistan’s Batting Firepower

The veteran off-spinner also praised Sahibzada Farhan for his fearless approach at the top of the order, drawing comparisons to India’s Abhishek Sharma.

“Pakistan has exceptional talent. One such player is Sahibzada Farhan, who plays in a style similar to Abhishek Sharma, attacking bowlers right from the start,” Ashwin noted.

He further credited Pakistan’s new leadership setup—Mike Hesson as head coach and Salman Ali Agha as captain—for pushing the team toward a more aggressive brand of cricket. According to Ashwin, Pakistan’s batting model now leans on explosive hitters like Fakhar Zaman, Haris, and Saim Ayub.

“Personally, I believe Fakhar is the best batter in the Pakistan side. Then there’s Saim Ayub, who also contributes with the ball. But the team often collapses after strong starts, sometimes finding themselves 80 for 5 before scrambling to 140. To really challenge India, you need at least 180.”

While acknowledging Pakistan’s strengths, Ashwin was blunt about the bigger picture. He believes that restricting India early is the only realistic way for opponents to stay in the contest.

“The best-case scenario for any team is to bowl first and restrict India to a modest score. But honestly, I don’t think any side really stands a chance against India in this Asia Cup,” he concluded.

With India in red-hot form and Pakistan banking on new energy under fresh leadership, the September 14 clash promises to be the highlight of the tournament.