'This is my thought process': R Ashwin names one areas India can cancel out Pakistan

The Indian cricket team is all set to start its Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Pakistan on September 2 at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. Co-hosts Pakistan started off their campaign in the multi-nation Asian tournament with a bang and defeated Nepal in Multan by 238 runs. The Indian team, on the other hand, reached Sri Lanka on August 31, 2023 and also has an unbeatable record in Kandy.

3 things you need to know

• The Asia Cup 2023 is crucial for the Indian Cricket team ahead of the ODI World Cup 
• Team India till now has played three ODI matches in Pallekele and has won all three of them 
• Pakistan skipper Babar Azam smashed his maiden Asia Cup century against Nepal on August 30, 2023 

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R Ashwin reveals one department where Team India can outplay Pakistan 

While talking in his pre-match review IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 match review, Team India spinner R Ashwin revealed one area wherein the Indian team is better than Pakistan. Former CSK cricketer Anirudha Srikkanth and Tamil Nadu cricketer K Vignesh were also part of the pre-match discussion. Ashwin believes that the spin department is an area wherein the Indian team can dominate Pakistan. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: 

I think spin is where India probably can cancel out Pakistan. Shadab Khan has been a fantastic bowler, Mohammad Nawaz, yes, he has been decent performer for them. If we see Jadeja vs Mohammad Nawaz, does he cancel out or India has an edge there? Jadeja has a big edge there. Of course, in all departments, as a bowler also, Mohammad Nawaz is more of a restrictive bowler, Jadeja is more of an up and over. 

If you look at Kuldeep Yadav vs Shadab Khan, an out-and-out wicket-taker with variety, where does it stand. Shadab Khan's batting is a different part of discussion. A bowler contributing with the bat is good for a squad, but there is a counter opinion. A bowler should bowl well first, he should land the ball where he wants and pick wickets.

Because of the short format that we play, accuracy will be compromised, that is my thought process. If we look at it from that angle, Kuldeep Yadav a wrist spinner vs Shadab Khan, I can talk about spin. If we campare outrightly as a bowler, Kuldeep gets the edge.

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What is Team India's record in the ODI Asia Cup against Pakistan? 

If we talk about the Indian cricket team's record against Pakistan in the ODI Asia Cup, the 'Men in Blue' has faced the Babar Azam-led side on 13 occasions and won seven out of them. On the other hand, the Pakistan cricket team has been on the winning side on 6 occasions.