Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has downplayed the threat posed by Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi to Indian batters ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. In his analysis, Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that Afridi is not the same bowler he was two years ago.
The India-Pakistan rivalry in cricket is legendary, and it reaches a fever pitch whenever these two teams clash in the T20 World Cup. Historically, India has enjoyed a strong upper hand. In their eight encounters at the T20 World Cup, India has emerged victorious a staggering seven times. Fans still remember the electrifying 2007 final where a young Indian team, led by MS Dhoni, defeated Pakistan to win the inaugural T20 World Cup. However, the tide turned in the 2021 edition held in Dubai. Pakistan, led by a determined Babar Azam, outplayed India by a convincing 10 wickets. This win not only snapped India’s winning streak in World Cups but also marked a significant moment for Pakistan. The victory injected fresh energy into the rivalry, leaving everyone wondering if this was the start of a new era.
With the T20 World Cup currently underway in the United States, cricket fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating the upcoming India-Pakistan clash scheduled for June 9th at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York. Depending on how the groups progress in the tournament, there’s even a chance they might face off again later.
What Sanjay Manjrekar Said
Despite being regarded as one of the top white-ball bowlers globally, Shaheen Afridi has recently struggled against India. The 24-year-old conceded 7 runs per over in his last two ODI encounters with India and managed only three wickets in their 2021 and 2022 World Cup meetings. Sanjay Manjrekar also believes Pakistan’s other left-arm pacer, Mohammed Amir, will not significantly challenge the Indian batters.
Speaking on Star Sports Press Room World Cup edition, Manjrekar stated,
“Mohammed Amir played his last international T20 seven years back. We have no idea what his form is like today. Shaheen Afridi is not the same bowler that he was two years back. India have handled him really well, if you remember the Asia Cup, even in the 50-overs World Cup, we had a one-sided match.”
“I do not see Pakistan as a major threat to India, plus the names of Mohammed Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi, I do not think is a problem for India.”
Amir returned to the national side after nearly four years during the home series against New Zealand. Although he last played against India in 2016, the 32-year-old boasts an impressive record, having taken four wickets at an average of 7.25 in just two games.
Sanjay Manjrekar On India’s Chances to the Finals
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Team India’s performances in ICC events will ultimately be judged by their results in the semi-final and final stages, rather than their progress up to that point. Despite being dominant in the white-ball format for some time, the Men in Blue have not secured a single ICC title since 2013.
Manjrekar said,
“I see India up and running very quickly. But I am just going to watch this Indian team in the matches that matter – semis and the finals. For India, World Cups are not anymore about getting into the final round. It’s about what you do in the final rounds.”
India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007 but has struggled since, reaching only one final in the subsequent seven editions. The Rohit Sharma-led team will kick off their 2024 campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5.