'Look at scoring runs, not surviving': Gautam Gambhir's word of caution for Rohit-Shubman

The heroes of Team India will face Babar Azam's men in what is expected to be an exciting match in Kandy. The first fifty-over match between Rohit Sharma & Co. and their arch-rivals since the 2019 World Cup will serve as the opening match of their Asia Cup 2023 campaign. It will be Pakistan's second outing after beating Nepal in the tournament's starter.

3 things you need to know

• India will commence Asia Cup 2023 campaign today i,.e., September 2, 2023
• India will take on Pakistan today
• India last played against Pakistan in a 50-over format in 2019

READ: India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup Live updates: Will rain play the spoilsport in the encounter?

Gautam Gambhir's message to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill

Indian batsmen have continuously been challenged by the Pakistani bowlers over the last couple of years, and things may not change on Saturday. The star-studded Indian batting lineup will be put to the test against Pakistan's pace attack, as the match is scheduled to go about soon, the former India international Gautam Gambhir has a message for openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, ahead of the high-stakes match.

“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, your approach has to be clear against Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Look at scoring runs, not surviving. When you score runs, you are in better rhythm and have better backlift and footwork,” Gambhir said on Star Sports’ Game Plan.

Speaking on Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’, Gambhir urged Rohit and Gill to adopt a positive approach, instead of being conservative.

“Often, people talk about Shaheen and Naseem troubling the Indian batters in the World Cup. But it’s all in the past now. ODI is a different format, batters have time to settle into the crease. It’s important to bat in positions where if you get a half-volley, you look to hit it, not just survive. The more positive you are, the more you create pressure. Keep it simple, the past is in the past. It’s a new day, a new match, a different format. Be in attacking mode,” he added.

READ: No WTC, No Dhoni, 4 British PMs: Things that changed since India last played PAK in an ODI

Rohit Sharma on facing Pakistan's fast bowlers

In a pre-game press conference earlier on Friday, Rohit discussed how the Indian hitters would approach the trio of Shaheen, Rauf, and Shah.

“We don’t have Shaheen, Naseem and Rauf in the nets. We practice with what we have/ All three are quality bowlers. Pakistan always had quality bowlers. We have seen their strengths and weaknesses. Will use our experience vs them,” said Rohit.