Team India, go out and smoke Pakistan in the Asia Cup final

No disrespect, like a worn-out disc where the music being belted out is no longer mellifluous, India versus Pakistan in a sporting contest has become dull as ditchwater. Despite the hype and hoopla, albeit forced, a limited overs cricket contest between these two nations has become very predictable. And yet, India looked undercooked when they will face the tricky Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday evening.

To be sure, there are many who have not tracked the Asia Cup this time. Reasons for it are not just national pride, the fare being dished out has been below par, especially from India. On Friday night, had it not been for the lion-hearted Super Over from Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm swing bowler, India would have been left red-faced by Sri Lanka. That Arshdeep did the star turn was defining. And yet, he may still be dropped for the final. The Sardar must be wondering what bad karma he has done to be treated by coach Gautam Gambhir like a wastrel. For sure, Arshdeep has talent and temperament, though he is being treated like the B grade star in Bollywood movies who has to beg for a role.

Be that as it may, when India take on Pakistan, this time, there is no room for complacency. That the two teams are meeting for the first time in the Asia Cup is not a footnote. India have a great record against the unfriendly neighbours, who are unworthy of a handshake after the match. And, yet, India need to get their act together. The result against Sri Lanka could have gone the other way, as India have been floundering, despite not losing a match till now.

Dropped catches, so many off Varun Chakravarthy, Suryakumar Yadav’s own batting and ‘words’ all have come in for intense scrutiny. And yet, the whole atmosphere is so vitiated, the ICC pulls up cricketers from both sides, talks of fines and more. Damn, all this can be avoided. Well, the decision to play Pakistan has been taken at the highest level, so the show must go on.

For those who are still cursing India’s decision to play against Pakistan, post the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the atmosphere is vitiated. It is, in fact, worse than the old days when CBFS series ODI matches were held in Sharjah, the original off-shore cricket venue. Yes, the UAE is an important venue for cricket teams, despite the heat, though fan attendance has been poor.

Looking at the Indian team seriously, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next year at home, the preparation has been very average. India need to play better cricket and with more consistency. Above all, India need to play stronger teams in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

There are so many incidents from the last fortnight in the Asia Cup which makes the most ardent fan sad. Pakistan are poor losers, much like a nursery school kid running to the teacher for each small problem. They are ‘cry-baby’ and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have waged an email war against India, even as their politicians have chosen global platforms to attack Hindutva in India.

For those who will still not watch this farce on Sunday night, me included, there is a genuine wish, India win against Pakistan. No need for smiles, handshake and all the associated optics. Remember, the Pahalgam pyre flames have not yet cooled down. If the Indian team needs motivation, they should see visuals of the durable Mig 21 Indian Air Force fighter aircraft which was ‘retired’ in Chandigarh on Friday at an official function. Go out and smoke Pakistan. They need to be taught one more lesson -- defeat.