Sunil Gavaskar’s serious warning to Pakistan ahead of Asia Cup 2025 final

Sunil Gavaskar believes India’s batting has another gear left and warned Pakistan that several big names are “due” a match‑defining innings in the Asia Cup 2025 final. While Abhishek Sharma has carried the scoring load with a record‑breaking tournament, the batting great expects one or more of Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, or Hardik Pandya to step up when it matters the most.

Gavaskar’s message: more firepower to come

Gavaskar backed India’s under‑the‑radar batters to come good in the final despite an Abhishek‑led top order dominating headlines.

“ There are several key players who can make a difference. Suryakumar Yadav is due for runs, as are Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya. Shubman Gill has batted well but hasn’t yet delivered the big scores we’ve come to expect from him. There’s plenty of batting firepower left, so there’s no need to be overly concerned. ”

He also tipped Abhishek to chase a three‑figure score after repeatedly threatening a hundred with rapid starts.

“ Abhishek Sharma won’t let opportunities slip. With the form he’s in, another big innings—possibly a century—is very much on the cards. ”

Why the warning matters

• India are unbeaten and have beaten Pakistan twice in this tournament, but the final is a new contest with its own pressures.

• Several batters have had quiet tournaments by their own standards, leaving ceiling‑raising upside on the biggest day.

• Gavaskar’s “due” call highlights depth: if Pakistan lock down one or two top‑order threats, India still have proven finishers and anchors to carry the chase or push a total above par.

Abhishek vs Shaheen: the box‑office battle

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel called the Abhishek vs Shaheen Afridi duel “edge‑of‑the‑seat” viewing—aggressive new‑ball bowler versus a fearless left‑hand opener who scores straight and square with equal ease. Their Super Four face‑off went India’s way; the final brings fresh plans and pressure.

“ Shaheen is obviously an aggressive bowler that will try and knock you over. And Abhishek is not going to hold back… that’s great for the game. ”

India’s batting picture: what to expect

• Powerplay intent: Abhishek–Gill aim to force spread fields early, compressing the target for the middle.

• Role clarity: If early wickets fall, Gill and Tilak can reset; if not, the finish can be stacked with Suryakumar, Samson, and Hardik.

• Small‑overs management: India’s focus will be on seven‑ to nine‑run “third‑gear” overs to avoid stall points, then surges around timeouts.

Pakistan’s plan: where they can bite

• New‑ball burst: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will hunt early wickets to expose India’s middle inside the powerplay.

• Wrist‑spin firewall: Holding overs for middle‑order matchups can slow Suryakumar and Samson’s gears.

• Death discipline: Variations into the pitch and wide‑line yorkers to deny India’s favorite hitting arcs.

Final match details

Keys to the contest

• First six overs: If India are 55+ with ≤1 down, they dictate terms; if Pakistan strike early, the middle overs swing.

• Middle‑overs squeeze: India’s batting must rotate cleanly against spin; Pakistan need wickets, not just dot‑ball pressure.

• Nerve at the death: Bowling plans win finals—yorkers on demand, well‑disguised pace‑off, and smart fields to favorite shots.

What Gavaskar’s warning signals

• India’s lineup is not a one‑man show; the form curve suggests a breakout from the supporting cast.

• Pakistan cannot plan for Abhishek alone; the rest of India’s order has both range and experience to tilt a final.

• With both sides primed, the game will ride on small bursts—one mini‑collapse avoided, one over maximized, one matchup won.

In a final that already has history, India’s depth versus Pakistan’s new‑ball threat is the balance beam. Gavaskar’s point is simple: India still have untapped runs to spend.