In this exclusive PakPassion interview, former England spinner Monty Panesar analyzes India's thrilling victory over Pakistan in the T20 final. The cult hero breaks down Pakistan's dramatic batting collapse, the brilliance of India's spin trio, the rise of new Indian stars, and the unsavoury 'Handshake Gate' incident — and much more.

By Saj Sadiq (September 29, 2025)

Key revelations include:

* Pakistan's batting collapse in Asia Cup's final: He highlighted the moment Pakistan's innings unraveled, citing a lack of composure. He observed that "Pakistan lost their way a little bit. They were not calm under pressure," suggesting that their inability to remain steady in a high-stakes situation was the turning point in the match.

* On India's spin dominance: Panesar praised the bravery of India's spinners, specifically Kuldeep Yadav and his counterparts. He noted, "They have the courage to flight the ball," explaining that this aggressive and confident approach made them exceptionally difficult to play against and contributed significantly to their team's victory.

* Mindset difference: He pointed to the contrasting mindsets of the two teams, praising India's composure under pressure. He stated, "They were calm. They were very calm. They didn't really panic," emphasizing that this unshakeable calmness allowed them to execute their plans effectively and maintain control of the game.

* Praise for Abrar Ahmed: While discussing the match, he singled out Pakistan's spinner Abrar Ahmed for special recognition. He complimented Ahmed's approach, saying, "He has tremendous courage and so much bravery in his bowling," highlighting his fearless style despite the challenging circumstances.

* On India's cricket strength: Panesar reflected on the continued success of the Indian team, even as key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma transition out of the spotlight. He concluded that "Indian cricket just bounces back," attributing their sustained dominance to a resilient system and a pipeline of new talent.

* Handshake Gate verdict: Panesar weighed in on the controversial post-match incident, offering a strong opinion rooted in the traditions of the sport. His final word on the matter was, "It's a gentleman's game," a clear statement of his belief that sportsmanship and respect should always prevail.

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