After an eight-month-long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Men in Blue finally marked their return to international cricket with the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia on Friday in Sydney.
However, ahead of the series against Aaron Finch-led side, there were some uncertainties about India’s team combination due to the unavailability of limited-overs vice-captain, Rohit Sharma. While many fans and former cricketers came up with their best probable XIs, renowned Indian commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar also joined the bandwagon.
Manjrekar, who is a part of the commentary panel for the India-Australia series, also picked up his probable XI based on the principle of playing specialists. While Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, and Manish Pandey were included in his predicted XI, Manjrekar left out the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and went for Kuldeep Yadav in his place.
Here you go Vaibhav..
Based on the principle of playing specialists –
1- Shikhar
2- Mayank
3- Virat
4- Shreyas
5- Rahul
6- Manish
7- Shami
8- Kuldeep( Virat will pick Jadeja )
9- Chahal
10- Bumrah
11- Shardul/ Saini https://t.co/vFgwF6XliF— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 26, 2020
Manjrekar’s tweet didn’t go down well with many cricket fanatics as they slammed the 55-year-old former India player for not picking Jadeja in his squad.
Use him as substitute fielder first chance you get. � https://t.co/xb1Wx73af7
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 26, 2020
Thank God you aren’t selecting any teams. Pandey ahead of Pandya? Jadeja deserves to play for India in all the 3 formats. He has been in the best batting form of his life. Wonder if this selection is based more on revenge rather than logic.
— Akshay Subramanian (@AkshaySubraman1) November 26, 2020
Jadeja in form so every captain pick in the playing 11 ….
But u always underestimate him why?— Gokulram (@Gokul41845313) November 26, 2020
I like how this statement swings like pendulum �
Yes kuldeep when paired with chahal is lethal
But india currently needs that no 7 batting from jadeja! As, if shardul is omitted then there are 4 no 11 batsmen back to back!— शुभम राऊत (@ShubhamRaut2397) November 26, 2020
Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sacked Manjrekar from the commentary panel just before the start of three-match ODI series against South Africa in March. He had described Ravindra Jadeja as a “bits-and-pieces” player during the 2019 World Cup in England.