Raina also laid emphasis on how Kuldeep Yadav could be a lynchpin in India's success.
Spinners of both sides will have a significant role to play considering that Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Shah Afridi are the only specialist pacers who will be seen in action in Sunday's match.
Kohli has elevated one spot to secure the third position in the latest ODI Player Rankings
Babar Azam fell one run short of his maiden century as Pakistan set Australia a mammoth victory target of 538 on day three of the second and final Test.
It was a starry affair at the Narendra Modi stadium as the skippers of all ten World Cup teams attended the captain's day.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to investigate a case involving a UK-based Pakistani agent, Mughiz Ahmad Shearachiikh, who has been suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching its anti-corruption code. Shearachiikh and his company, International Cricketers Association (ICA), had signed several centrally contracted Pakistani players last year.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja lashed out at his countrymen following Saturday's "battering" by India in the ODI World Cup match in Ahmedabad, saying the national team has got to do something about it.
Imad Wasim is in doubt for the upcoming high-voltage clash against India in the T20 World Cup 2024 due to a suspected rib injury
Pakistan team has recently lost the three-Test series against Australia 0-3, before going down 1-4 in the five-match T20 series against New Zealand.
Rizwan's unbeaten half-century not only helped Pakistan chase down a modest target of 107 but also saw him equal Rohit Sharma's record for most fifties by a T20I opener
Both were equally good balls: Kuldeep Yadav on prized wickets of Babar Azam and Jos Buttler
Pakistan captain Babar Azam is confident that his side will defeat arch-rivals India in its opening clash of the T20 World Cup as it is more familiar with the conditions, having played mostly in the UAE for the past three to four years.
From England's fiery all-rounder Ben Stokes to India's rising star Shubman Gill, and the ever-reliable Babar Azam from Pakistan, these cricketing maestros are ready to redefine the game.
During the Multan Test between Pakistan and England, which ended with an unlikely English win on Monday evening, banners inviting Virat Kohli to the country has gone viral on social media.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam sent a strong message to his team as they go into a crucial set of matches ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup.
Babar Azam provided 73 in 95 deliveries with the visitors profiting from some sloppy South African fielding as they dropped numerous catches and were not accurate enough with the ball.
Inzamam ul Haq blames ousted PCB Interim Committee chairman Zaka Ashraf for mess in Pakistan cricket
Pakistan's disappointing group stage exit, which included losses to India and debutants USA, has sparked widespread criticism.
Images from Day 1 of the first Test match between England and Pakistan in Manchester, on Wednesday.
'I would put my money on him at least for a little while to hold to all three but there are some good quality players around who will keep pushing him.'
R Ashwin feels Pakistan will be the side to beat in Asia Cup and consistent performances from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will make them even more dangerous in the continental event.
Malan enjoyed a fruitful series against Australia, scoring 66, 44 and 21 in three games to guide England to a 2-1 series victory.
Rohit currently sits at fourth place in the overall list of captains with the most T20I wins.
USA caused the biggest upset of the T20 World Cup when they shocked former champions Pakistan via the Super Over.
Pakistani selectors on Thursday dropped leg-spinner Usama Mir for the T20 series in Ireland and England while recalling fast bowler Haris Rauf.
India, for all their internal debates and external expectations, look like the one side that has clarity of purpose. And clarity, in high-pressure tournaments, often counts for more than raw talent.
Former Pakistan cricketers and the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi came down heavily on the team management and the players, after their six-run loss to India on Sunday.
India and Pakistan will play at least two games in the Asia Cup, and possibly a third if they feature in the final.
Leg-spinner Shah's selection was subject to the 35-year-old clearing a fitness test, chief selector Mohammad Wasim said in a statement.
The last time Pakistan won a Test Down Under was in late 1995 when nearly half of the current side were not even born
Prolific Pakistan batsman Babar Azam wants to achieve the "legend" status that Virat Kohli has acquired but concedes that despite the oft-repeated comparisons, he is still some time away from getting anywhere close to the Indian captain. The 24-year-old, who is a self-confessed fan of Kohli, spoke about his aspiration to emulate the World's No.1 Test and ODI batsman.
'Pakistan can beat any team on any given day'
Even though IPL is widely regarded as the top T20 tournament worldwide, Hasan is optimistic that despite the scheduling clash, viewers will prefer to watch PSL if the players up the ante and perform better.
According to sources aware of developments in the Board, a few players are contemplating if they should travel to New Zealand.
Pakistan cricketers floored by 'unexpected' welcome, hit nets 12 hours after arrival
Bowling has traditionally been Pakistan's strong suit but since that is unlikely to be the case in World Cup 2023.
Lahore Qalandars took to Twitter and shared the pictures from Shaheen's wedding ceremony.
None of New Zealand's batters were able to build on their starts
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a foot injury on Tuesday in a major blow for the Black Caps.
Varma's current rating of 832 points is the fourth-highest ever achieved by an Indian batter in T20I history, behind only Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul.
