India’s middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu has dismissed talk that summer heat and humidity in the UAE will affect his team Rayudu will line up for an India side without Virat Kohli, but one still packed full of talent DUBAI: India’s middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu has dismissed talk that summer heat and humidity in the UAE will affect his team in their bid to win this year’s Asia Cup. Rayudu will line up for an India side without Virat Kohli, but one still packed full of talent with the likes of skipper Rohit Sharma and M.S. Dhoni in the ranks. They kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong on Tuesday before they face bitter rivals Pakistan in the glamor tie of the tournament.
 And, speaking to media in the UAE, Rayudu scoffed at the idea that weather conditions would play havoc with India’s approach to the game. “We are used to the heat because we play cricket in the Indian summer. We have had a good week’s time to get acclimatized to the heat and it shouldn’t be a problem,” he said. The India— Pakistan match, one of the biggest in world cricket, has arrived early for the fixture-weary India squad, but Rayudu said: “We are doing our preparations. We are not thinking Pakistan is here or somebody else is here. We are doing our bit and not looking at anything else.” When asked about the absence of Virat Kohli in the India’s squad, he was philosophical in his answer. “It is obviously a big miss. We will definitely miss him. But we still have a good enough team to go out and do well and win matches.” Meanwhile, Pakistani ace Babar Azam is relishing the idea of facing India three times in the tournament. “It is nice if India and Pakistan play three times, especially in the light of there being no series (between the two teams). This is a nice opportunity to play each other and in a good tournament, too.
 “It is also important because a lot of people will come out to watch these matches and many will follow the matches, so it is a good chance for the fans to enjoy it.” 
Azam admitted that the in-form Kohli not lining up for the Indians is an advantage to other teams in the tournament, but believes India still have threats that his Pakistan teammates must be aware of. “They have Sharma and Dhoni, who are experienced players. “And remember, the best teams play in the Asia Cup. Although the India match will be interesting, I feel all the five teams are good,” he said. Azam revealed that the Pakistan dressing room is currently a settled and happy one, with Mickey Arthur as coach and youngsters in the team high in confidence and self-belief. “The presence of senior players like Shoaib Malek and Sarfraz Ahmad has helped a lot as all the youngsters talk to them and they are so helpful,” he said. Pakistan and India will go into the game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, having both faced Hong Kong, knowing whoever wins will have the upper hand in the Super Four round.