On the eve of India’s Asia Cup 2023 opener versus Pakistan in Pallekele, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh said that there will be huge pressure on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to perform against the arch-rivals.

In an exclusive chat with India Today, Harbhajan stated that India versus Pakistan is always a special match while also insisting that the Men in Blue will be ready for this challenge.

“I believe India must be ready for this game. They’ve been practicing hard. On the last tour of West Indies, many players like Rohit and Virat were not part of the series. But India versus Pakistan is always a special game. It's a high-pressure game. Kohli, Rohit and the other guys will be very keen to showcase their talent,” said Harbhajan.

“There's always pressure on senior players. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need to lead from the front. There will be huge pressure on Kohli and Rohit to perform because they are the most senior players. But they've always come good against Pakistan and hopefully, they will come good tomorrow as well,” he added.

Harbhajan feels young batter Shubman Gill will also be keen to showcase his talent against the Men in Green. This will be Gill’s first match in international cricket against Pakistan.

“Someone like Shubman Gill will be playing his first match against Pakistan, in a high-voltage match. He will be keen to perform. I believe India is ready for this competition,” said Harbhajan.

Notably, Pakistan have opened their Asia Cup campaign with a crushing 238-run victory over Nepal in Multan on August 30.