Asia Cup 2025 Final: Shoaib Akhtar’s ‘Aura’ message raises questions about Pakistan’s strategy against India

Akhtar, aware of India’s dominance in the tournament, has urged Pakistani players to change their mindset and try to break ‘India’s aura’.

“Come out of this mindset, keep their aura aside. Just break their aura. Just play with this mindset that you had in the match against Bangladesh. This is the kind of mindset you need. You don’t need to bowl 20 overs; you just need to get wickets,” Akhtar said on the ‘Game On Hai’ show.

Regarding strategy, Akhtar wants Pakistan to focus on Abhishek Sharma, who has been a revelation in this tournament, to dismiss him early. If that happens, the Rawalpindi Express is confident Pakistan will win the final.

“Mark my words, if Abhishek Sharma gets out in the first two overs, they will get in trouble. The starts they are getting, they are going to struggle if Abhishek gets out early. It’s not like that, Abhishek will not mistime the ball; he will do that; you just need to go for the kill. If you come out fighting, India will realise that we have to work hard for our runs.”

“I know Gautam Gambhir. He will tell his team that ‘you need to bring your A game against Pakistan’. Pakistan will play the worst cricket, they will pick the worst side, but as soon as they reach the final, they play the best cricket, and they win the finals. It has happened so my times with us,” added Akhtar.