Kolkata: Former skipper Sourav Ganguly said here Monday that India are a better team and absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli won’t be a factor when the defending champions take on arch rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage Asia Cup clash, Wednesday.
The two bitter foes will reignite their rivalry in the Asia Cup with India having a 6-5 win-loss record from 12 encounters in the continental event. “It will be a 50-50 contest in Dubai,” Ganguly said.
India are the most successful side in the Asia Cup, having won the title of six times, while Pakistan have bagged the crown twice.
Rohit Sharma will lead India in the absence of Kohli who has been given rest after a draining England tour. “Virat Kohli’s absence won’t be a factor, they are a better side,” Ganguly said, adding Pakistan too have improved on their performance.
The last time the two sides met was the Champions Trophy summit clash in England last year, with Pakistan winning the match by 180 runs.