'Shows the insecurities in the team': Sanjay Manjrekar slams Team India's selection vs PAK

India and Pakistan are currently locking horns in the highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 match in Pallekelle, Sri Lanka. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first against the much-decorated Pakistani bowling attack, consisting of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. However, when Rohit unveiled the playing XI for the high-intensity match, he and the Indian think tank including Rahul Dravid became a subject of scrutiny on social media and in the commentary box. 

3 things you need to know

• India won the toss and elected to bat first
• India and Pakistan are facing each other in a 50 over game after four years
• Mohammed Shami is not part of the playing XI

Also Read: India Vs Pakistan LIVE Score, Asia Cup 2023 Latest Updates

Manjrekar slams Team India

Former India opener Sanjay Manjrekar slammed Team India for not picking Mohammed Shami in the playing XI. The Indian management went with Shardul Thakur instead of Shami to provide depth in their batting. However, Manjrekar believes that India should have played Shami in the XI given that he is a more lethal and aggressive pacer than Thakur. Manjrekar said that the bowling depth in the team matters too. The selection of Thakur as a bowling all-rounder shows insecurities in India's batting order. 

"The fact that India is playing Shardul Thakur instead of Mohammed Shami to give themselves the batting depth shows the insecurities in the team regarding their batters. You talk about batting depth, but bowling depth matters too," Manjrekar said. 

Regarding the match, India have already lost two crucial wickets in the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up both the wickets in quick succession. He removed Indian batters after coming back from the rain break with a slight change in conditions. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are presently trying to build a partnership in the middle. It will be interesting to see if Gill and Iyer are able to rescue India from here on.  

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