Defending champions India had a full-fledged practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday as they put the finishing touches to their Asia Cup preparations.
India enjoy a dominant 9-3 win loss record against Pakistan in T20 Internationals, including a 7-1 margin in T20 World Cups.
Following Kohli's gesture, the cheers replaced the boos for Pandya.
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem said they won't treat the opening match against T20 World champions India as a big game and will look to play normally.
Kris Srikkanth said Jasprit Bumrah might be disappointed with Mumbai Indians getting back Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya said it was important to stay disciplined and humble following their sixth victory in a row.
India suffered an early setback in their World Cup contest against Bangladesh when all-rounder Hardik Pandya left the field after twisting his ankle while bowling his first over in Pune on Thursday.
'He can bat, he can bowl, he can field. He has an X factor about him. I hope very well deep down within my heart that when he comes out on top, I'll sit back and I'll watch everyone sing his praises.'
Former India pacer S Sreesanth on Friday backed Hardik Pandya's selection in the T20 World Cup squad, saying the all-rounder's presence alongside Virat Kohli will make for a "great combination" when chasing tricky totals.
Speaking exclusively to ESPNCricinfo, Hayden spoke of how it would affect the team's balance.
Bumrah will miss a few initial games of the tournament as he is currently recuperating from a back injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence at Bengaluru.
MI opener Ishan Kishan highlighted Indian fans' tendency to recognise the hard work of a cricketer, irrespective of their personal feelings towards one.
'If he goes into the auction pool, it will be fascinating to see which team bids for him.'
According to Samaa TV, the Pakistan management claimed the TV umpire did not examine all available angles before announcing its decision. Pakistan's protest emphasised how the evidence was not "clear and conclusive" to justify ruling Fakhar out, and the umpire's call favoured the fielding side despite replays showing a margin of uncertainty.
Hardik Pandya upped his style quotient, courtesy celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim.
A unique 'wave of honour' swept through the venue as Nita and Mukesh Ambani joined the players and the audience, commemorating the team's incredible feat.
Senior batter Rohit Sharma missed out Mumbai Indians' match against Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League in Lucknow on Friday after he was hit on the knee during a nets session, according to captain Hardik Pandya.
Kuldeep Yadav has a good record in T20 Internationals with 69 wickets in 40 matches at an economy rate of 6.77, with a best of 5/17 against South Africa.
The MI captain has scored 197 runs and taken just four wickets in 10 games with his team languishing in ninth spot.
Will Shubman Gill force either Sanju Samson or Tilak Varma out of the playing XI for the Asia Cup opening match against the UAE?
Shastri also advised Pandya to stay calm and weather the storm with solid performances.
Such has been the problem of plenty for selectors in the T20 format that they are finding it difficult to even accommodate Yashasvi Jaiswal -- a proven performer in T20 cricket.
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy justified his selection with a five-wicket haul and bowled India to a 44-run victory against New Zealand.
After the game, Hardik searched for the little lady in the stands. When he spotted her, he said sorry once again and handed her an autographed match ball.
Rohit Sharma holds the record for leading India to the most victories in T20 Internationals.
Nicholas Pooran and Naveen-ul-Haq visit the Taj Mahal.
Pandya's comeback journey following an ankle injury which he suffered in the ODI World Cup was one that is replete with elements of disappointment and dejection but also with utmost resilience and determination shown against adversity.
India vice-captain Hardik Pandya looks drained, flattened, under pressure and Mumbai Indians appear like a confused unit under him, reckon former cricketers Aaron Finch and Greame Smith.
Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic just can't seem to get enough of each other!
Hardik Pandya was all smiles as he caught up with nephew Kavir -- his elder brother Krunal and sister-in-law Pankhuri's baby son born last month.
Hardik Pandya is touted as a possible captaincy option for Mumbai Indians in the future.
Hardik Pandya dropped a dance video with Virat Kohli ahead of the first T20I game against Australia.
The left-arm quick, introduced as an Impact substitute in place of the seasoned opener Rohit Sharma, returned figures of 1 for 28 in 3.3 overs, as Mumbai Indians beat Gujarat Titans in the IPL eliminator in Mullanpur on Friday.
Hardik Pandya turned in his best figures of the ongoing IPL season.
Despite "nervousness" creeping into the camp, Rajput is assured that his side will be ready, but it will come down to the manner in which they execute their game.
'Hardik has spent a lot of time away from the game, building his body back up.'
Parthiv compared Rohit's leadership with CSK talisman Dhoni, saying the Mumbai cricketer never "made a blunder"
Fans termed the captain as a 'credit stealer' and a 'selfish player'.
Aus ODIs: Bumrah, Gill workload to be discussed, battle between Jaiswal and Abhishek