Former India batter and current commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has urged the Indian team management to make a significant change in their playing XI ahead of the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9 at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
India’s strong start in the T20 World Cup 2024
Led by Rohit Sharma, India opened their Group A campaign with a dominant performance against Ireland at the Nassau County stadium. The Men in Blue registered an 8-wicket victory, effortlessly chasing down a target of less than 100 runs. Ireland, led by Paul Stirling, managed to post only 96 runs after being asked to bat first.
Rohit Sharma shone with a 37-ball 52, while wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant contributed 36 off 26 balls, including the winning runs. Senior paceman Jasprit Bumrah was named Man of the Match for his exceptional spell, taking 2 wickets for just 6 runs in 3 overs. India utilized six different bowlers during the match, but all-rounder Shivam Dube did not bowl a single over, raising questions about his role in the team.
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Sanjay Manjrekar urges one key change
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar addressed the team’s decision not to bowl Dube, suggesting that Sanju Samson should be considered in his place if Dube is not being utilized as a bowler. A fan had posed a question via X, inquiring whether Samson should replace Dube if the latter is not contributing with the ball.
Manjrekar agreed with the fan, emphasizing that India might not get a better version of Samson than what he is currently displaying. He believed Samson has matured into a reliable player and that India should capitalize on his current form.
“Absolutely right (Sanju should play as the better batter if Dube isn’t going to bowl). I believe Sanju Samson has finally matured, and this is the best Sanju Samson that India will get at the international level,” Manjrekar said.
Pakistan’s struggles
Pakistan, on the other hand, are reeling from a shocking defeat against the United States of America (USA) in a thrilling Super Over encounter. This unexpected loss has put pressure on the Babar Azam-led side to bounce back against India to stay alive in the competition.
