IND vs PAK: Mohammed Shami Would've Been More Threatening Than Shardul Thakur: Sanjay Manjrekar

Mohammed Shami was dropped from India’s playing XI in the IND vs PAK clash of Asia Cup 2023. Shardul Thakur was picked on his behalf. Speaking about the same, cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said that Mohammed Shami would’ve been more threatening to Pakistan than Shardul Thakur.

Dropping Mohammed Shami, India picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur as front-line pacers for the encounter against Pakistan. Shami’s ouster surprised many Indian fans who showcased their disappointments on Twitter.

Also Read: IND vs PAK: Bizarre! Mohammed Shami’s Ouster From Playing XI Disappoints Fans

Mohammed Shami More Threat Than Shardul Thakur: Sanjay Manjrekar

While speaking on Star Sports, former India player Sanjay Manjrekar said that Mohammed Shami would’ve been more threatening than Shardul Thakur. He also stressed on bowling depth for the Indian 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.

Also Read: IND vs PAK: Watch – Virat Kohli Left Stunned After Shaheen Afridi Castles His Stumps For Just 4 Runs In High-Octane Clash

IND vs PAK clash of Asia Cup 2023 takes place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. Rohit Sharma leads India while Babar Azam leads Pakistan in the match. Below is India’s playing XI in the match.

Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan(w), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Also Read: IND vs PAK: WATCH – Shaheen Afridi Rattles Rohit Sharma’s Stumps With A Sensational Inswinger

Meanwhile, India won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. Just after the start, the match was affected by rain. However, it was resumed later. India skipper Rohit Sharma lost his wicket to pacer Shaheen Afridi for 11 runs off 22 balls.

India and Pakistan are part of Group A in Asia Cup 2023. Earlier, Pakistan crushed Nepal by 238 runs in their opening match of the tournament.