Although Pakistan has closed the gap in recent years, I would suggest that India starts out as the favorite:Ravi Shastri

The Men in Blue will start as the favorites to win the match, according to former cricketer Ravi Shastri, ahead of their explosive matchup at the current Asia Cup 2023. India has defeated Pakistan three times in the last five meetings across all tournaments, while the Men in Green have triumphed twice. Therefore, Shastri believes that although Pakistan has narrowed the gap over the past few years, its neighbors have not yet been overthrown.

The 2011 ODI World Cup-winning Indian side was stronger than this one, according to the former head coach of India. He also praised Rohit Sharma and expressed confidence in his capacity to help India win the forthcoming Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.

“I’d say India is the favorite to open. Their best group of players since 2011 is this one. And an experienced skipper who is more familiar with the area than most. Despite this, Pakistan has closed the gap. If you compared the two teams’ relative strength and man-to-man performance seven to eight years ago, there was a disparity. Pakistan, though, has focused on it. They are a really good team, according to Shastri, so you have to be at the top of your game.

Before an India-Pakistan game, never base your decision on previous results. Shastri

Shastri is of the opinion that prior to an India versus Pakistan match, a player’s previous performance is irrelevant. In these kinds of pressure-filled games, he continued, mental toughness is crucial, and the player who can maintain composure under duress will be better able to perform.

Who can bear pressure better is the key factor. And never base your decisions on past performance prior to an India-Pakistan game since the mentally tough and strong players may not have contributed much six months prior, but they will emerge when the game between the two countries is underway. They are aware of the significance of the game and the potential heights to which success could propel them. Their metabolisms will be revved up, the 61-year-old said.