Wasim Jaffer, Mohammad Azharuddin pick India all-rounders for Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2022

After the disappointing T20 World Cup 2021 campaign for the Indian team, a lot of questions were raised. With around six months left for the 2022 edition, the cricket fraternity has been busy picking players, who can do well for the Indian team in the mega event. The performances of the players in the ongoing IPL 2022 will certainly leave an impact on the selectors. The latest to have an opinion are the former Indian cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Mohammad Azharuddin, who picked their all-rounders for Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2022.

Jaffer reckoned that Hardik Pandya will be the first-choice pick if he can bowl two-three overs in every match, as the team already has quality batters in the middle-order. Then he picked Ravindra Jadeja and chose Axar Patel as his backup. He was then unsure about the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Dube, and Rahul Tewatia’s selections. Furthermore, Jaffer added that Deepak Chahar is the number one seamer with the new ball according to him, and should be picked if he passes all the fitness tests.

“Well, It’s going to be an interesting thing, as Hardik Pandya isn’t bowling. The selectors will pick him if he is bowling well and can deliver two-three overs. There are so many batters in the all-rounder’s department. Ravindra Jadeja is a surety, in my opinion. I would pick Axar Patel as a backup for Jadeja. Shardul Thakur can come in, but I am not too sure. Rahul Tewatia doesn’t bowl in the IPL, and I am not sure about him. Washington Sundar can get a look-in, as he brings another dimension as an off-spinner,” said Wasim Jaffer on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

“On the other hand, Shivam Dube and Venkatesh Iyer hardly bowl in the IPL, and when they do ball, it is not their strongest route. Deepak Chahar, I feel if he is fit and bowling as he has done before, has to come in and is my number one seamer with the new ball,” Jaffer added.

‘I will choose Ashwin and Jadeja due to their experience’: Mohammad Azharuddin

Azharuddin reckoned that Ravichandran Ashwin is the best choice, if you are picking an off-spinner, and has gradually contributed with the bat in the last IPL games as well for Rajasthan Royals. He then thought the team needs an all-rounder like Pandya in the side, but needs to be fit enough. In the end, Jaffer picked Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, and mentioned that both the players are doing well in international cricket.

” If you’ re going for an off-spinner, he has to be there. Along with the ball, Ashwin has done well with the last few IPL games as well. When you Hardik into your side, you want an all-rounder of his calibre, but is certainly on the back foot with his injury. Along with them, I feel Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur should be there in the team. If talked about spinners, I will choose Ashwin and Jadeja due to their experience,” Azharuddin added.

Wasim Jaffer’s picks: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Axar Patel (back-up for Jadeja)

Azharuddin’s picks: Hardik Pandya, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin