Pakistan Head Coach Mike Hesson Downplays Threat from Indian Spinners. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has downplayed the threat posed by India’s spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 clash between the two rivals on September 14 in Dubai.
Since taking charge in May, the New Zealander has overseen a strong run for Pakistan, winning 10 of their 14 T20Is. However, his first major test comes on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where his team will face bitter rivals India in Group A of the ongoing Asia Cup.
India currently lead Pakistan 9-3 in T20Is, but Mike Hesson seemed unfazed by the daunting record.
“I’ve certainly watched many games from afar—whether coaching other teams or commentating—so being on the other side of the fence, right in the middle of such a high-pressure event, is going to be exciting,” Mike Hesson said on the eve of Pakistan’s match against Oman.
“Just like in any final or major event, it’s about keeping everyone focused on the job at hand. That won’t be any different this weekend. We know India are hugely confident—and rightfully so, given how well they’ve played—but we’re focused on improving as a team day by day and not getting ahead of ourselves,” he added.
“Mohammad Nawaz is the world’s No. 1 spinner” — Mike Hesson dismisses Kuldeep Yadav–Varun Chakravarthy threat
Indian wrist-spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav impressed on Wednesday, dismantling the UAE batting lineup. Despite Pakistan’s batting lineup showing improvement, questions remain over their ability to handle quality wrist spin.
In the recent tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE, only captain Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz appeared comfortable facing spin.
When asked if Pakistan’s batters might struggle against India’s Kuldeep–Varun duo, Mike Hesson responded:
*”I really don’t know where that narrative comes from or who would make such an assessment. We’ve faced Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad — arguably the best wrist-spin attack in the world — on a turning Sharjah surface, and still outscored the opposition by 70 runs. So, I’m not sure where this perception originates.
I don’t expect this pitch to spin like Sharjah. Even on Wednesday, Kuldeep didn’t get massive turn. With wrist-spinners of that caliber, surface matters less. The beauty of our team is we have five spin options.”*
Hesson also praised Mohammad Nawaz while downplaying the Kuldeep–Varun threat.
“Mohammad Nawaz has been ranked the No. 1 spin bowler in the world over the past six months. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem have been excellent, and Salman Ali Agha — our Test spinner — hasn’t bowled much yet. If the conditions favor spin, we’re well covered. If not, we have five seamers providing options in pace, variation, or reverse swing, depending on the pitch,” Hesson concluded.