Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq has reckoned on Thursday (September 13) that Virat Kohli's absence in the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 will certainly make a difference in the UAE.

Rohit Sharma will lead India in the Asia Cup, as regular skipper Kohli has been given a break as he has been continually playing since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.  

However, Imam admitted that Indian Cricket Team is still a very good team and has a strong batting line-up even without their talisman Kohli. He also added that Pakistan wants to play aggressive cricket with a positive mindset in the six-nation One Day International tournament in the UAE.

Regarding Kohli's absence from the Indian team Imam told ANI, “India is a very good team, of course, Virat Kohli not playing will make a difference but even without him they have a strong batting side. Dubai wickets are very similar for Pakistan-India as we are used to playing here. We just want to play an aggressive cricket with a positive mindset.”

Meanwhile, the much-awaited high voltage encounter between India and Pakistan is slated to be played on September 19 and Imam admitted that it is always a high-pressure match, but he chose to see it as only like another game. He also said the tournament will be a good preparation for the World Cup 2018.

Imam signed off by saying, “Our initial focus is on the first match which is with Hong Kong. India-Pakistan is a pressure match that everyone knows but for me, all games matter equally. It's a cricket game and all the teams have very good potential and good youngsters coming in. It's all about every team chipping in before the world cup it's a good preparation wicket.”