KUALA LUMPUR: Former India captain and coach K. Baskaran has cast doubt on Malaysia’s chances at the Asia Cup, warning the Speedy Tigers will struggle when the tournament begins in Bihar from Sept 29-Oct 7.
Baskaran, 75, who led India to Olympic gold in Moscow in 1980, said Sarjit Singh’s men are too inconsistent and prone to errors in key moments.
“Malaysia are known for making mistakes, especially in the last two quarters of matches,” said Baskaran, who also coached India at the 1998 and 2006 World Cups.
Hosts and world No. 8 India are hot favourites to clinch a fourth Asia Cup crown and with it, direct qualification for next year’s World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Pakistan, three-time winners, have pulled out due to political tensions with India.
India, bronze medallists at both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics, are in Group A with Japan (world No. 18), China (No. 22) and Kazakhstan (No. 81).
World No. 12 Malaysia face a stern Group B challenge against South Korea (No. 13), Bangladesh (No. 29) and Taiwan (No. 38).
Baskaran picked Japan and China as India’s main rivals.
“Japan, who host the Asian Games next year, will pose the strongest challenge to India. China also play a fast attacking game that could cause an upset,” he said.
Still, he believes India remain a step ahead.
“They are well prepared. Most of their players have over 100 caps, they played 18 matches in this year’s FIH Pro League, and they recently tested themselves against world No. 6 Australia,” he added.
India won one of their four friendlies against the former world champions.
“If they win the Asia Cup, they’ll have a year to plan and prepare for the World Cup. That will be a big advantage.”
The top two teams from each group in Bihar will advance to the Super Four stage to decide the champions.
At the last Asia Cup in 2022, Malaysia — then under Arul Selvaraj — lost 2-1 to South Korea in the final.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
