'Kuldeep Will Be Key As Pak Struggle...'  Ramiz Raja on IND Vs PAK Clash

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Ramiz Raja upheld Indian wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav as a key bowler for Pakistan to watch out as Babar Azam & company head into the much-anticipated neighbours' bout for the ICC World Cup 2023 league stage encounter in Ahmedabad on Saturday (October 14). 

Raja foresaw Kuldeep to finish as the highest wicket-taker of the game from either side because of his prime ability to turn the ball both ways regardless of the conditions on offer. The resurgent wristspinner, who has had a slightly subdued start by his standards to the World Cup, would also feel upbeat heading into the Pakistan clash. 

Speaking with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra in a conversation for JioCinema's daily show ‘AAKASHVANI’, Raja said one big reason why India preferred Kuldeep above struggling leggie Yuzvendra Chahal in their squad was the bowler's successful track record against Babar's men. 

Kuldeep has bagged 10 scalps in his four innings worth of bowling against Pakistan in One-Day Internationals and picked up a magnificent five-fer in the Super 4 clash between the two nations at the recent Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. 

Ramiz Backs Kuldeep As India's Trump Card For Pakistan 

Averaging just 13.50 with an economy rate of less than 4 an over, Kuldeep has had a stranglehold on Pakistan batters' technique and psyche at the crease. He has held an upper hand in the marquee individual battle against Babar and enjoys a cult following for dismissals of Pakistan's best player in critical moments at the 2018 Asia Cup and the 2019 World Cup. 

Analysing the individual battles that could dictate the India-Pakistan clash in front of the 1.2-lakh capacity crowd in Ahmedabad, Raja asked Babar to pull his socks for the riveting clash after enduring a disappointing start to his campaign, with failures against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. 

"Babar Azam needs to shine and put some important runs on the board. It could be the case that he may be under pressure and that might be making him freeze and not be his usual self."


"He will have to forget about all of this and have a fresh mindset, capitalize on the opportunity, and back himself to come big in a World Cup fixture. And the important thing is that he is a solid batter – all facets of his game are refined along with class and quality. He just needs to get out of this mental block and not think about failure."

Former cricketer turned commentator also identified legend Virat Kohli and his young teammate Kuldeep as the men of the moment for Team India. Raja predicted them to be the top run-getter and the highest wicket-taker of the game, respectively. 

"I believe Virat Kohli will be the highest run-getter and will definitely give a key performance because of how well he does against them. Also, Pakistan’s bowling attack suits Kohli as well."


"I also think that Kuldeep Yadav will be the highest wicket-taker. And I believe Yadav’s inclusion in the team has been done keeping Pakistan in mind because they struggle against wrist spin," he added.