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Sunil Gavaskar believes Indians would be able to handle Mohammad Irfan

Notwithstanding Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq's claim that tall pacer Mohammad Irfan could trouble India in their World Cup opener, former skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels that the 7 feet 1 inch-bowler should not pose a big threat to the Men in Blue in Adelaide on Sunday.

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Notwithstanding Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq's claim that tall pacer Mohammad Irfan could trouble India in their World Cup opener, former skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels that the 7 feet 1 inch-bowler should not pose a big threat to the Men in Blue in Adelaide on Sunday.

"I am not too sure that it's going to be too much of an issue (Having Irfan pose a challenge). India have been in Australia for a while. They have got used to the pace and bounce of the pitches and therefore I don't think it's going to be too much of an issue," Gavaskar told a news channel.

"Also I think there is a fitness aspect about Irfan. If he goes flat out fast, he tends to pull up something or the other because of the fact that he is unusually tall that can happen. And so Misbah might be right in thinking that he is his number one bowler.

"He is simply the number one bowler, because there is no Junaid Khan, there is no Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal's missing, so quite clearly, Mohammad Irfan who actually came into international cricket barely a year ago becomes Pakistan's number one strike bowler. But I think the Indians will be able to handle him," he added.

Related read: MS Dhoni, Misbah ul Haq speak about India-Pakistan clash at press conference 

Gavaskar though feels that Mohammad Hafeez's absence will hurt Misbah and company.

"Mohammad Hafeez I feel is going to be a huge impact (his absence). Hafeez has got a good record of opening the batting or batting at number three for Pakistan. He has got hundreds against his name, so as a batsman, who can also bowl off-spinners with a very good economy rate, has a knack of breaking partnerships, picks wickets, it's going to be a big blow as far is Pakistan is concerned," said the former captain.

"If you look at Pakistan, it is an inexperienced line-up apart from say a Misbah and Younis and Afridi. So experience wise if you have someone like a Mohammed Hafeez who can steady the innings at the top of the order can come in handy," he added.

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