'Pls be aware what is T20 format' - Netizens hit back at Mohammad Azharuddin for his comments on India's World Cup squad

India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup was announced on Monday and the Men in Blue will now divert all their attention towards preparing for the global event. The Indian team’s campaign at the Asia Cup started on a high, but they could not keep the momentum going and ended up being knocked out of the tournament in the Super Four.

India’s World Cup squad saw Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel mark their return after successfully recovering from their respective injuries. Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin expressed his surprise at the exclusion of two standout players from the main squad- Mohammed Shami and Shreyas Iyer, as both of them have been included as reserve players.

“Surprised at the omission of Shreyas Iyer and Md. Shami from the main squad. Shreyas Iyer instead of Deepak Hooda and Md. Shami in the place of Harshal Patel would be my choice,” Azharuddin wrote in his tweet sharing his opinion on the squad.

India had to make some tough calls for the team, based on the players’ performances in recent times in the shortest format of the game, and the management put forth a strong squad in place. However, Azharuddin's tweet was not well received by the audience, who chose to mock the formerly fashionable right-hander. Shreyas Iyer's vulnerability to short-pitched deliveries was highlighted by Twitter users, who also claimed that Australia's bumpy tracks could expose him.

Some major changes in Indian roster compared to the previous World Cup

Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's knee injury has forced him out of the T20 World Cup, which is a significant setback to Team India. But after Bumrah and Harshal Patel missed out on the Asia Cup, the news of their return came as a piece of great news for the Indian fans. Younger spinner Ravi Bishnoi was edged out by seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, while pacer Avesh Khan was unable to keep his spot for the T20 World Cup.

Apart from the T20 World Cup, India also announced the roster for the Australia and South Africa T20I series, and Shami has been included in both. Both Australia and South Africa will be touring India between September-October and would prove beneficial for the teams to prepare them for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitter reacted on Azharuddin’s comment:

Did u forget what happened to Shami in last t20wc? Or Did u forget Shreyas record against Short pitch bowling?Or have u forgotten Wc is in Australia,sir? Wat is the basis of ur comment? U r an ex skipper

— Ashu (@Cricket_welub) September 12, 2022

Sir do you even know what is the economy of mohd shami...

Just answer me which player have the worst t20 economy for india

— Blue Jersey (@BlueJersey18) September 12, 2022

You are just outdated and shami had never been a good T20 bowler. Deepak hooda can bowl pls be aware what is T20 format

— Arunkumar06 (@Arunkumar064) September 12, 2022

Then please teach Iyer how to play short ball becase in Australian bouncy pitches, he cant survive

— Ankit Singh (@ankittfit) September 12, 2022

@ShreyasIyer15 ?? Seriously? Australia main pitch bouncy hein aur yeah banda Bounce khel hi nahi sakta

— Hilpesh!! 🇮🇳 (@Hilpesh) September 12, 2022

Bouncer aap khelne jaoge ky.

— Suraj Birajdar (@SurajHRx) September 12, 2022

Why such regressive vibe why do u wanna go back to 2021. This is not 90s . We don't need mongias and prabhakar vibe anymore.

— Archer (@poserarcher) September 12, 2022

This man captained India...
I don't even know how to react!

— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) September 12, 2022

Surprised at the omission of Yusuf Pathan and Stuart Binny from the main squad. They played brilliantly against SL-L.

— Cric Top Class (@crictopclass) September 12, 2022

That is why the past cricketer shouldn’t give much inputs

— Abhi Panchal (@iamabhi1909) September 12, 2022

But no asked ur choice. Sad for uh... 🤐

— Jay (@Jay49533544) September 12, 2022