Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his concerns over the selection strategy for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He suggests that a younger squad might have been more beneficial, given the previous underwhelming performances of the senior players. Manjrekar believes the inclusion of youthful talent like Yashaswi Jaiswal would have added a dynamic edge to the team.
Despite the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from many T20 matches last year, selectors have reinstated them, banking on their vast experience. Manjrekar, however, argues that this decision limits the team’s flexibility, especially in the opening slots.
“Ideally, I would not have gone that way; I would have stuck with a slightly younger core set of players,” Manjrekar said during Star Sports’ Press Room World Cup edition. He emphasized the need for exploring new combinations and criticized the default pairing of Rohit and Kohli, which he feels forces a less versatile lineup.
Source : TOI
Impact on Yashaswi Jaiswal
Manjrekar expressed disappointment that Jaiswal, a promising young talent, might miss out on playing opportunities due to the preference for senior players. “Unfortunately, Jaiswal will have to sit out. I would have gone completely with a new lot, which would have added more flair,” he stated.
Source:- india today
Concerns Over Pakistan’s Threat
Regarding the upcoming clash with Pakistan, Manjrekar dismissed concerns over the threat posed by bowlers Mohammed Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi. He pointed out that Amir hasn’t played international T20 cricket for seven years and doubted Afridi’s current form. “India have handled him really well in recent matches,” Manjrekar noted.
Key Players and Roles
Manjrekar also highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya as a finisher, citing his performance in the previous T20 World Cup. “When it comes to marquee events, back those guys who excel on the big stage, like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant,” he said.
Former cricketer Irfan Pathan added that both Pandya and Shivam Dube would play crucial but different roles in the tournament. “Hardik will finish games, while Dube will act as a floater against spinners,” Pathan explained.
Pressure on Veterans
Manjrekar expressed concerns about the pressure on Kohli in knockout games, contrasting it with Rohit’s more free-spirited approach. “Virat tends to take it upon himself to bat longer due to his stature, while Rohit plays freely regardless of the match’s significance,” he observed.
In conclusion, Manjrekar stressed that for India, the focus should be on performances in the final rounds of the tournament, not just qualifying for them. “For India, World Cups are about what you do in the final rounds,” he asserted, reflecting on the high stakes and expectations from the team
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