Agarkar Refutes Karun Nair's 'VVS Laxman' Comeback Narrative: 'He Accumulated Nearly 1000 Runs While Excluded from the Team'
1 month ago | 5 Views
The exclusion of Mohammed Siraj from the Champions Trophy squad surprised many observers. Given the ongoing fitness issues surrounding Jasprit Bumrah, some argue that Siraj should have been included to bolster the pace bowling contingent in the event of Bumrah's unavailability.
Nonetheless, former Indian spinner Nikhil Chopra contends that Siraj's inclusion would have been challenging, particularly with Mohammed Shami returning to the team and the favorable conditions for spinners on the Dubai pitch. Chopra believes that the surfaces in Dubai will significantly benefit slower bowlers, leading the Indian management to adopt a spin-oriented strategy.
"Mohammed Shami is returning as a match-winner, and so is Mohammed Siraj. However, the decision to focus on spin is primarily due to the sub-continental conditions," Chopra stated in response to a Hindustan Times inquiry during a media event at the ILT20's playoff match between Sharjah Warriors and Desert Vipers in Sharjah.
"In a 50-over match, you can expect around 30-34 overs of spin. Pace will primarily be utilized during the Powerplay and at the death," he added, having represented India in 1 Test and 39 ODIs.
'Surprised to see Karun Nair not being picked'
Chopra expressed his astonishment at Karun Nair's exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad. Despite amassing 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with an impressive average of 389.5, BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar opted not to include Nair, although he acknowledged that Nair's name was part of the discussions.
"I was taken aback by Karun Nair's omission from the Champions Trophy team. His recent run-scoring form is reminiscent of VVS Laxman's return to the squad. Recall that Laxman, during his absence from the team, accumulated nearly 1000 runs? (Laxman scored 1415 runs from 9 matches at an average of 108.8, including 8 centuries). However, the question remains: where does he fit into the batting order? Opportunities arise only when someone is injured," Chopra remarked.
Furthermore, the former Indian spinner, who is currently providing commentary for ILT20, believes that the league has significantly benefited from the presence of three IPL franchises in the UAE—MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Dubai Capitals.
He is also optimistic about the future growth of the UAE cricket scene, asserting that there is substantial potential for the T20 tournament to expand, advocating for the inclusion of more UAE players in the playing XI of all teams.
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