IND vs PAK 2022: It Was Surprising To See Such A Straightforward Catch Dropped - Rajkumar Sharma On Team India's Loss Against Pakistan

Rajkumar Sharma, a former Delhi cricketer and Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, discussed the main reasons why Team India lost to Pakistan in their Super 4 match in the ongoing Asia Cup on Sunday.

Like many Indian supporters, Rajkumar was surprised when Arshdeep Singh dropped an absolute sitter of Asif Ali at short third man. That proved to be a big blow, as Asif went on to score two boundaries and a six, guiding Pakistan to victory.

The veteran coach also discussed about Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s penultimate over, which went for 19 runs, and believes the game was all but over for India after the 19th over.

“Catches do get dropped in a game, but to see such an easy catch dropped was a bit surprising. I am a bit disappointed with the way our experienced bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued to bowl length balls in the second-last over and gave away 19 runs. Although Arshdeep tried his best, 7 runs were too less to defend in the last over.”

Mohammad Nawaz Took The Game Away From Team India: Saba Karim

Saba Karim, a former Indian wicketkeeper and selector, believes all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz’s scorching 42 off just 20 balls was the difference between the two teams. The all-rounder was sent in at No. 4 to take on India’s leg-spinners, and he did so perfectly. 

“I feel sending Muhammad Nawaz at No.4 and him scoring 40-odd runs with a strike rate of above 200 took the game away from India. Bhuvneshwar did bowl an expensive 19th over and Arshdeep did drop a simple catch, “Karim commented on Nawaz.

The former selector also questioned Team India’s decision not to utilize Deepak Hooda, their sixth bowling option. 

“But the biggest factor I think was Team India using just five bowling options. They compromised with using Hardik as a fifth option and didn’t even give a single over to Hooda, “he added.

India must win both of their remaining games against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan to keep their hopes of reaching the Asia Cup 2022 final alive. On Tuesday, September 6, Rohit Sharma and co will face Sri Lanka in Dubai.

Also read: IND vs PAK: “This Game Is As Valuable As A Final,” Says Mohammad Rizwan After Leading Pakistan To Victory Over India.