'Can't trust Jadeja' - Sanjay Manjrekar takes another dig at Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IND vs SA final

As Team India prepares to face South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar's strategic message has come to light, highlighting the team's bowling approach. 

The Men in Blue are hoping to end their 11-year ICC title drought, facing South Africa in Barbados for the summit clash on June 29. Both teams enter the final undefeated, with the winner set to make history as the first team to clinch the T20 World Cup without a single loss.

India's familiarity with the Barbados pitch, having played there earlier in the tournament, could provide a slight advantage. Manjrekar stated that a batting-friendly surface in Barbados will witness the seamers play a huge role, which, he believes, has been a bit of a weakness for the Indian team in the tournament so far.

“I believe if the pitch turns out very good for batting, if it is a flat deck, it will be difficult to give Jadeja four overs. India will have to turn to Hardik Pandya. That is a bit of a weakness that we saw against Australia,” Manjrekar said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

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Shivam Dube might have to bowl an over or two: Sanjay Manjrekar

The former Indian batter also pointed out a potential weakness in India's lineup, particularly evident in their match against Australia. He also believes Ravindra Jadeja cannot be trusted with his four overs.

“Hardik doing four overs, Arshdeep Singh is, too, coming to terms with his consistency. On a flat pitch, seam bowling comes under pressure a bit. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will do four overs, but you can't trust Jadeja. Hardik Pandya will have to rise to the occasion, Shivam Dube might have to bowl an over or two,” added Manjrekar.

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India's performance throughout the tournament has been impressive, with standout performances from various players. In the Super Eight clash against Australia, despite challenges faced by Hardik and Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav stepped up, securing crucial wickets. The semi-final against England saw India dominate with a 68-run victory.