Published 17:08 IST, August 20th 2022

IND vs ZIM: Ex-players question Team India's 'difficult to understand' decision in 2nd ODI

Ex-India players Saba Karim and Maninder Singh were baffled not to see returning India fast bowler Deepak Chahar in the XI for the second ODI against Zimbabwe.

Reported by: Vidit Dhawan
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Former India cricketers Saba Karim and Maninder Singh were baffled not to see returning fast bowler Deepak Chahar in XI for second ODI against Zimbabwe on Saturday. Chahar bowled a brilliant spell on his comeback after sixth and a half months as he produced a player of match performance by ending with outstanding figures of 3-27. But surprisingly, Chahar was excluded from team for 2nd ODI and was replaced by Shardul Thakur, who picked up three wickets in match.

IND vs ZIM: Ex-players reveal shock at Team India's decision

While speaking on Sony Sports, Saba Karim said, "Difficult to understand that actually. Unless it is on vice of support staff to manage worklo and keep him fresh, to make sure re's not much pressure on his body. It is difficult for a fast bowler to come back from an injury and play regular matches."

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While Karim mitted that leaving Chahar out could be a decision that was me to manage his worklo, he was not unhappy with choice of Shardul Thakur replacing Deepak Chahar. "But more importantly, I was expecting Avesh Khan to replace Deepak Chahar and not Shardul Thakur. Avesh Khan is in your Asia Cup squ so it would have been ideal for him to get more game time. More so if you are looking to draft him in ODI setup. selectors have so far been looking at him more as a T20I option," ded Karim.

Maninder Singh echoed a similar view as he ded, "Shardul tries really hard to go for wickets all time and that is reason why his economy rate is high. He hasn't been able to replicate his domestic performances consistently at international level. But selectors have faith in him. I agree with Saba, I think Avesh Khan would have been a better choice."

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India vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI playing 11

Team India: Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (c), Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Zimbabwe: Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wesley Mhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (c & wk), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Br Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Tanaka Chivanga

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17:06 IST, August 20th 2022