Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed denied the talks that Virat Kohli's absence in the ongoing 2018 Asia Cup will make much difference, saying India are still a tough side to beat in the six-nation tournament.

Kohli has been rested for the Asia Cup 2018 after a gruelling England tour and the responsibility has been given to Rohit Sharma to lead the defending champions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

India are yet to begin their Asia Cup campaign in the UAE, while Pakistan already started on the positive note by defeating Hong Kong by 8-wickets in their first match on Monday (September 17).

The arch-rivals are set to play each other on September 19 (Wednesday) and Sarfraz doesn’t see much difference in the Indian set-up without their batting talisman –Kohli, expecting an even contest in Dubai.

As per reports in NDTV, Sarfraz told media, “No doubt he (Kohli) is their captain and a world-class batsman but I think they (India) have a good team even without Kohli. They have good players who have done well for India. So I don't think it will make much difference to India. Their batting is very strong so I can say that it will be a good match.”

Pakistan stunned India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final to clinch the title in England but Sarfraz refused to take it as a psychological advantage against the Men in Blue in the Asia Cup.

Sarfraz signed off by saying, “We will not take that Champions Trophy win in our minds. That was a different atmosphere (in London) and conditions. It was a year ago so that's history so we will enter the ground with a new strategy and passion.”