Asia Cup 2022: Saba Karim Backs Avesh Khan For The Tournament

Saba Karim, a former selector, has backed Avesh Khan’s participation in the Asia Cup squad, saying that you can’t let youths ‘be roasted’ after supporting them.

On August 8th, India revealed their tournament squad. The Indian management has chosen three experienced pacers: Bhuvneswar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan.

Many people were stunned by Mohammed Shami’s absence and Khan’s replacement in the team. According to News 18, Karim was asked on Sport 18’s ‘Sports Over the Top’ if he was surprised by Shami’s omission from the squad. The former wicketkeeper went on to explain that if you support young players like Khan, you can’t abandon them.

I Think Selectors Want To Back Avesh Khan At This Stage: Saba Karim

“I feel once you have invested in youngsters like Avesh Khan, you possibly can’t leave them out to be barbecued. Such youngsters haven’t done anything wrong. I can understand Mohammad Shami on current form is a strong bet, more so with Jasprit Bumrah out due to injury, but I just feel that the selectors want to have that kind of security and they want to persist with the youngsters in whom they have shown so much of faith,” said Karim.

Karim went on to remark that he was pleased with the work of the current selection committee and that the squad for the Asia Cup seemed to be well-balanced.

“Absolutely right, it’s a tough job and I am happy the way the current selection committee has picked the side for the Asia Cup. It seems pretty balanced to me. It is a solid side. It’s good to see that they are going ahead with players who have that kind of buy-in to Rohit Sharma’s strategy and his tactics,” added Karim.

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