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Babar Azam and Virat Kohli both share an equal level of respect for each other and on the eve of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash, Babar Azam claimed that he has learned a lot from the former Indian skipper. Both teams will face each other at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Both batters are often compared to each other for their batting brilliance. But they share a mutual respect for each other on and off the field. Last month, Virat admitted that he has always held a lot of regard as well as respect for the top ODI batter.
"The debate that has been going on should be left to them. I don't want to comment on it. Everybody has their point of view. There should be mutual respect. I have been taught that we should respect our seniors. I have learned a lot from him. In a lot of interviews, in 2019 I talked to him and he helped me a lot. He has been helpful," Babar said in the pre-match conference.
Importance of the Asia Cup:
Babar then opened up about the importance and quality of the Asia Cup ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash. "We cannot say that the Asia Cup is a small tournament and the best teams of Asia as well as the best players are also playing. At no point in time, you can take it easy. Preparation is definitely for the World Cup but our current focus is on the Asia Cup," Babar added.
"We are not relaxing at any point we are trying to go either way best we are trying to focus on the cricket that lies ahead of us. We are trying different combinations and we are trying to give our balanced side the most number of opportunities before the big event," he concluded.
India vs Pakistan:
The most anticipated match of the Asia Cup 2023 is all set to be played when the new No. 1 ODI team will face the favourites of the competition. Fans and the players of the team are equally excited to play against each other for the first time in the ODI format since the 2019 World Cup. Pakistan will come into the game after registering a brilliant win of 238 runs against Nepal in the previous match. On the other hand, India would like to get off to a positive start. Pakistan and India both teams have some issues in the middle order but the anticipation of the India vs Pakistan fixture will surely produce some heroic moments.