Kaif picks Indian bowler who will trouble Babar Azam

Former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, has pointed out an Indian pacer who he believes will pose a challenge to Pakistan skipper Babar Azam during the upcoming match between Pakistan and India in Asia Cup 2023.

While talking to Star Sports, Kaif suggested that Mohammed Shami would be India's best option to combat Babar Azam's batting mastery.

"Mohammed Shami is a fantastic bowler; his form is also very good. And even in Bumrah's absence, he managed the bowling very well. Even his form in the IPL was great. So he has a lot of talent. In my opinion, Babar Azam is going to have a lot of difficulty," Kaif said.

Shami has played 90 One Day Internationals (ODI) in which he has taken 162 wickets at an economy rate of 5.60. He has been a consistent presence in the Indian cricket team for around a decade, and his return to the team during last year's T20 World Cup, when Bumrah was sidelined due to injury, showed his importance.

Pakistan and India will face each other on September 2 in Kandy. While the Babar-led side already opened their Asia Cup campaign by defeating Nepal yesterday, India will play their first game against arch-rivals on Saturday.