• Source:JND
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India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023: India skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli interacted with Pakistan players ahead of their opening clash against Babar Azam-led side in the Asia Cup 2023 at Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday.

In the video posted by Pakistan Cricket, Rohit, Virat and pacer Mohammed Siraj were seen interacting with their opponents on the sidelines of their practice sessions on the eve of the much-anticipated clash in Kandy.

Before the on-field battle kick-off, Kohli was seen shaking hands with Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, all-rounder Shadab Khan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi while Rohit met his counterpart Babar and opener Imam-ul-Haq after completing his nets session.

 

In their last meeting in the 2022 T20 World Cup at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli smashed consecutive two sixes off Rauf's bowling which helped India beat Pakistan by four wickets.

Kohli was also seen sharing a hearty laugh with Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi after a practice session in Pallekele. Kohli and Shadab were all grins as they engaged in what appeared to be a lighthearted conversation, laughing and joking around. Soon after, Mohammed Shami went by and was greeted by Shadab, who then continued his talk with Kohli.

Pakistan on Friday named their playing XI for the clash against India in Pallekele. Babar Azam's men are fielding an unchanged XI with a three-prong pace attack supported by three spin-bowling all-rounders.

India have a few tricky calls to make for the big clash, notably with respect to where Ishan Kishan bats. The wicketkeeper batter is set to play in the XI with KL Rahul ruled out of the first couple of matches.

They would also either have to choose between Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur for the No.8 spot to lengthen the batting or go bowling heavy and play Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami alongside Kuldeep Yadav.

(With ANI inputs)