Mumbai: Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has said that Rohit Sharma-led India are the favourites to win the Asia Cup 2018, but said that Virat Kohli’s absence will give a psychological boost to Sarfraz Ahmed’s Pakistan.

Just a day after India’s opening game against Hong Kong on Tuesday, the Men in Blue will lock horns with Pakistan in a high-octane match on Wednesday.





“On paper India are the favourites in this Asia Cup. Virat Kohli meanwhile, has been rested and rightly so. But see when Sachin Tendulkar didn't play against Pakistan due to injury or any other reason, I as a bowler, my confidence used to go sky high. Because the Indian team used to bank on players like Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Azharuddin,” Wasim Akram said to India Today.

“The same rule might apply for this Pakistan team because Kohli is not there. Although the Indian team's batting lineup is very good. But Kohli being not there will give Pakistan bowlers a psychological boost I think," he added.

Virat Kohli aggregated 593 runs in the Test series against England, and was given a break from cricket following a full-fledged tour to the United Kingdom.