'They can rank their players wherever they wish': India responds to PAK coach's 'we have best spinner' warning

India responds to PAK coach's 'we have best spinner' warning

India and Pakistan got off to a strong start at the Asia Cup 2025 with both nations demolishing their opponents in their respective tournament openers. The arch rivals are now all set to lock horns at the Dubai International Stadium and before the meeting there has been some audacious statements, mostly from the Pakistan camp.

One such instance was Pakistan coach Mike Hesson referring Mohammad Nawaz as the "best spin bowler in the world at the moment". As spin is anticipated to dominate the action, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate was asked to weigh-in on Hesson's remarks.

Also Read | 'Those unbelievable sixes off Haris Rauf': Sunil Gavaskar sends Pakistan brutal Virat Kohli reminder

Ten Doeschate downplayed the bold claim coming from the Pakistan camp but noted yes spinners will be crucial in the conditions in Dubai. "I think spinners are going to be very important in this competition. If anything, I don't think it has gripped as much as we anticipated and certainly not like it did earlier in the year when we were here.

"But spin in general has become a very important part of T20 cricket, and both teams have a lot of spin on offer. And certainly we know how we feel about Varun, Axar and Kuldeep, so everyone's entitled to their opinion, and they can rank their players wherever they wish," he said in the pre-match press conference.

Earlier, Pakistan head coach Hesson had noted Nawaz as someone to watchout for and in doing so he placed him at the top among the current lot of spinners. "I guess the beauty of our side is we've got five spinners. We've got Mohammad Nawaz, who's the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, and he's been ranked that way over the last six months since he's come back on the side," he had said.

If we focus on Group A, both Pakistan and India appear to proceed to the Super Fours, where they'll meet again. However, the outcome of this match will determine, which team between the two will finish at the top after the Group stage.