IND Vs PAK: Former Pakistan Captain Makes Hilarious Request To Play Shardul Thakur Instead Of Dangerous Bowler

Former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail has offered a piece of advice to the Indian team that could potentially work in favor of Pakistan in their much-anticipated showdown with arch-rivals.

The highly anticipated clash in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Sohail’s recommendation is to have Shardul Thakur in the Indian lineup, opting for him over the formidable Mohammad Shami.

In a strategic move, India excluded Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI and replaced him with Shardul Thakur in their match against Afghanistan in Delhi.

However, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami expressed his reservations about this choice, advocating for the inclusion of Mohammad Shami instead of Thakur. Sami highlighted Shami’s wealth of experience and his exceptional ability to deliver yorkers as compelling reasons for his selection.

A playful exchange followed, as Sohail humorously concurred with Sami and recommended India to stick with the same choice (Thakur instead of Shami) when facing Pakistan. He playfully referred to the Indian fast bowler as a ‘khatarnak’ (dangerous) bowler.

Sami shared his views in a YouTube video posted by Cricket Pakistan, saying, “This is why we are saying that India’s squad is very balanced. If you look at the wicket, it had a bit of grass. So I think, two spinners was the right call. So they made that change looking at the wicket. But I think, instead of Shardul Thakur, they should have gone with Mohammad Shami. He is an experienced bowler, bowls the yorker well, and has good defensive skills. So, I think Shami deserved to play instead of Thakur.”

Sohail joined the conversation and concurred with Sami’s perspective, humorously remarking, “(Shami ko Pakistan ke khilaaf na hi khilaya. Shardul ko hi khilaye. Khatarnak bowler hai). Let’s hope they don’t pick Shami against Pakistan. He is a dangerous bowler. Let them play Shardul only.”

Pakistan’s Playing XI Under The Influence Of Inzamam-Ul-Haq?

The discussion also touched upon chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq’s potential influence in selecting the playing XI. Sohail acknowledged that Inzamam’s insights could be beneficial for the team. However, he suggested that Inzamam should begin by advising his nephew, Imam-ul-Haq, about his role in the team.

Sohail commented, “It is good if Inzamam-ul-Haq is giving inputs. He is an experienced player, has played cricket in India, and is also using his influence there (laughs). If he understands which player is making a mistake and can identify them, then he should start with Imam-ul-Haq and guide him regarding his role in the team.”

India and Pakistan will face each other for the eighth time in ODI World Cups. India has won the previous seven encounters and the Men in Green will definitely look to end that streak in Ahmedabad. Pakistan recently defeated Sri Lanka after chasing a mammoth target of 345. They will be confident to replicate that result against India but beating India on their home turf is going to be difficult.