NEW DELHI: In an attempt to strengthen their batting line-up, India opted to go in with all-rounder Shardul Thakur, compromising on a genuine pacer in Mohammed Shami for the blockbuster India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash in Pallekele on Saturday.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar seemed baffled with the team’s decision for the high-profile contest, questioning the tactics of the skipper-head coach duo of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.
A worried Manjrekar also pointed out that the decision to exclude Shami showed ‘signs of insecurity’ in the team.
“I am against this thought. People talk about batting depth but what about bowling depth. Isn’t Mohammed Shami more a threat to Pakistan batters than Shardul Thakur? I wouldn’t worry about batting depth but leaving someone put like a Shami especially on a surface where you see the ball seam around, India should have gone with three quality seamers. It just shows signs of insecurity and not trust you batters in Jadeja at No.7,” Manjrekar said during a chat with the host broadcaster.
Former Aussie great Matthew Hayden too agreed with what Manjrekar pointed out and seemed unimpressed with India’s decision to include Shardul for Shami.
“I 100% agree. Shami should have been there. The only thing that is missing is Shami. There has got to be a reason which we are missing about his non-selection,” said Matthew Hayden.
India skipper Rohit won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan. The two teams are playing first ODI game since 2019 World Cup in England.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar seemed baffled with the team’s decision for the high-profile contest, questioning the tactics of the skipper-head coach duo of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.
A worried Manjrekar also pointed out that the decision to exclude Shami showed ‘signs of insecurity’ in the team.
“I am against this thought. People talk about batting depth but what about bowling depth. Isn’t Mohammed Shami more a threat to Pakistan batters than Shardul Thakur? I wouldn’t worry about batting depth but leaving someone put like a Shami especially on a surface where you see the ball seam around, India should have gone with three quality seamers. It just shows signs of insecurity and not trust you batters in Jadeja at No.7,” Manjrekar said during a chat with the host broadcaster.
Former Aussie great Matthew Hayden too agreed with what Manjrekar pointed out and seemed unimpressed with India’s decision to include Shardul for Shami.
“I 100% agree. Shami should have been there. The only thing that is missing is Shami. There has got to be a reason which we are missing about his non-selection,” said Matthew Hayden.
India skipper Rohit won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan. The two teams are playing first ODI game since 2019 World Cup in England.
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