India
India. Image Credits: BCCI

The ICC T20 World Cup 2022 is set to kickstart tonight, with the Men in Blue slated to play their first match in the showpiece event on October 23 against arch-rivals Pakistan.

The high-octane match has been a topic of discussion in world cricket for the last few weeks with veteran cricketers and analysts giving their predictions for the match. Pakistan’s great Aaqib Javed has been among them and highlighted a few pressing concerns for India.

Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma
Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma. (Photo: Twitter)

Aaqib Javed names his game-changing player for India

Speaking to the media, the World Cup-winning pacer highlighted that the Rohit Sharma-led side does not look in the best of form for the T20 World Cup. He stated how the batting department has struggled, their bowling, in the absence of injured Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t look the same. He however, hailed all-rounder Hardik Pandya as a game changer for India.

IND vs PAK: "India Is Not In Great Shape, Bowling Without Bumrah Will Be A Challenge- PAK Veteran Warns Men in Blue
Aaqib Javed. (Credits: Twitter)

“India ki halat jo hain na woh bhi kuch aachi form main nehin hain. Unke batting bhi struggle kar raha hain, aur Bumrah ke bager bowling waisi nehin hain ki aap soche ki…ki ek impact hota hain bowler ka jo Shaheen ka hai ya Haris ka hain. Yeh impact ka bara pressure hota hain, fark padta hain. Unke jo abhi bowlers hain woh aam medium pace bowlers hain. Ha Pandya ek hain jo game kisibhi waqt change kar sakta hain,” he said.

Rohit Sharma and Co will aim to break the tie

India, in the interim, has named Mohammed Shami as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for the World Cup. Shami did not make a single T20I appearance for India since the last World Cup.

Read More  Hardik Pandya ignoring Jasprit Bumrah? Former Australian legend warns the Mumbai Indians' captain
India-Cricket-Team
Photo Credit: (Twitter/BCCI)

The October 23 clash will be the third time India and Pakistan have faced each other in 2022 as the Men in Blue aim to take the lead and break the tie. India won their Asia Cup opener against Babar Azam-led side while Pakistan won the Super 4 tie which led to Men in Blue’s exit from the tournament.

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