Asia Cup 2022: Dinesh Karthik didn’t play a ball but lost his place in the XI – Inzamam-ul-Haq

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is perplexed by India’s selection in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. India played Dinesh Karthik ahead of Rishabh Pant in their opening game of the tournament against Pakistan. Karthik and Pant, both played against Hong Kong after Hardik Pandya was rested to manage his workload.

However, Karthik faced only one ball against Pakistan and didn’t get to bat against Hong Kong. But the right-hander was left out of the starting XI in the Super Four contest against Pakistan as Rishabh Pant was given the nod ahead of him.

Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out with a knee injury and Avesh Khan was left out against Pakistan due to fever. Ravi Bishnoi and Deepak Hooda were drafted into the final XI against Pakistan.

Inzamam said on his Youtube channel: “With all the changes they made, India looked like they were under pressure. They should not make these many changes. Dinesh Karthik did not face a ball and still lost his place in the playing XI. The team which India announced, I saw a little panic with it.”

On the other hand, Sri Lanka has won their last two matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan and they have been chasing well. India will have to win their remaining two matches against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the Super Four to secure their place in the Asia Cup final.

“Sri Lanka plays as a team, not as individuals. The way they have made a comeback after losing the first match has been tremendous.”

Inzamam added: “India has the edge over Sri Lanka, there is no doubt over that. But, the way Sri Lanka is playing at the moment, we will get to see some good cricket.”

India will need to be at their best and they can’t afford to be complacent against Sri Lanka on Tuesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, India whitewashed Sri Lanka by 3-0 earlier in the year and the Rohit Sharma-led team will look to continue their domination against the Island country.