India and Sri Lanka will meet in the Asia Cup 2023 final and former captain and 1983 World Cup winner Sunil Gavaskar has backed chinaman Kuldeep Yadav to make a difference. (More Cricket News)
India will look to bring in silverware ahead of ODI World Cup 2023 with a Asia Cup win against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Rohit Sharma's side haven't won a trophy since 2018.
The two-time World Champions last won any trophy in 2018 (Asia Cup). However, the Men In Blue have been struck with a major blow ahead of the final with all-rounder Axar Patel ruled out due to hamstring injury he suffered against Bangladesh.
Gavaskar though feels Kuldeep can be key factor in the final and his bowling could be the difference.
“Kuldeep has shown that he can make a difference. Wrist spin, whether it is right-arm of left-arm, can get you wickets. And wickets are the best dot balls in limited-overs cricket. Also, the fact that he is bowling a little flatter, not giving that much air, getting the ball to spin, makes him difficult to play,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying on the eve of the Asia Cup final.
Kuldeep is the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2023 with 9 wickets in four games. His five wickets against Pakistan in the Super 4 fixture and followed it up with a four-fer against Sri Lanka, has made him a differential figure ahead of the big clash on Sunday.
However, Gavaskar also gave a piece of advice for Rohit's men.
"I think they would try and get to the pitch of the ball as quickly as possible. It’s not an easy wicket to always toss the ball up. But every time he gives the ball a little bit of air, drive him with quick footwork. Unless the pitch is flat and there is not much turn, don’t look to loft him. Make him think,” Gavaskar added.
