Pakistan's cricket legend, Wasim Akram, believes Pakistan could have a real shot at defeating India in a Test series on spinning tracks, especially after India’s surprising 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand. The whitewash, driven primarily by New Zealand’s spinners, highlighted a significant vulnerability in India’s lineup against quality spin bowling. Akram, commenting on this outcome during a conversation with former England cricketer Michael Vaughan in Melbourne, emphasized that Pakistan’s spin strength could give them the edge over India on turning pitches.

Vaughan noted how thrilling an India-Pakistan Test series would be, to which Akram agreed, pointing out the potential for an intense rivalry to captivate cricket fans from both nations. Akram added that Pakistan, following New Zealand's sweep, could have a strong chance against India in these conditions. The Indian batsmen, including stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, struggled significantly against New Zealand’s spinners, with players like Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and part-timer Glenn Phillips accounting for 37 of the 57 wickets India lost across the series. 

The last time India and Pakistan faced off in a Test was during Pakistan’s 2008 tour of India, which India narrowly won 1-0 in a three-match series. Historically, Pakistan has a slight edge over India in Test cricket, winning 12 of the 59 encounters, while India has won nine, and 38 matches have ended in draws. Despite the rich history, the two sides haven’t met in a Test match since 2008, nor have they faced each other in any stage of the ICC World Test Championship since its inception in 2019.

Pakistan’s recent success on spinning tracks adds to the intrigue. Following a loss to England on a flat track in Multan, Pakistan’s spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, powered Pakistan’s comeback, taking 39 out of 40 wickets in the next two matches. Resting pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi for a spin-focused lineup, Pakistan clinched their first home series win since 2021.

Given these recent developments, an India-Pakistan Test series on turning pitches would undoubtedly be a compelling contest, with Pakistan confident in their spin arsenal and India needing to counter the recent exposed vulnerabilities. Both Akram and Vaughan agreed that such a series would not only be thrilling but also beneficial for the global cricketing landscape, bringing two of the sport’s most passionate fan bases head-to-head in one of the most anticipated showdowns.