Asian Games: Sunil Gavaskar backs India to beat Pakistan, hails Ishan ahead of final

Speaking exclusively to Nikhil Naz, Sunil Gavaskar backed India to start as favourites against Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final, while warning that T20 cricket can change quickly. 

Gavaskar praised Ishan Kishan for stepping up in difficult situations and highlighted India’s strong spin attack after their dominant semi-final win over Sri Lanka, where they bowled them out for 45. He also backed the decision to field Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi together, stressing that team selection should depend on the opposition, pitch and conditions.

For Pakistan, Gavaskar picked Sahibzada Farhan as a key wicket while identifying Ishan as crucial for Pakistan to dismiss. He also discussed the new World Cup format, India’s group alongside Pakistan and Australia, and the possibility of India and Pakistan meeting three times if both teams reach the final, while underlining the important role broadcasters will play in the tournament.