cricket

Updated: Mar 14, 2019 09:57 IST

Former India international Sanjay Manjrekar has slammed Vijay Shankar and raised concern for the team’s middle order in the upcoming world cup after they slumped to a 3-2 ODI series defeat at the hands of Australia at home.

The Indian side had started the five-match ODI series in stupendous form, easing their way to comprehensive wins in the first two games in Vizag and Nagpur. However, their displays subsequently unraveled as they lost the following three matches in Ranchi, Mohali and Delhi to seize the series to Australia.

Shankar, who earned plaudits for his displays earlier in the tournament, drew flak from Manjrekar. The former Bombay batsman took to Twitter to slam Shankar’s approach in the 35-run defeat to Australia in Delhi, and wrote that the 28-year-old should play to his limitations. He also didn’t hold any punches in berating Rishabh Pant.

“Really disappointing with Pant and Shankar today, what a great chance to show their ability. Shankar may have the big shots but he is no Pant, must learn to keep the strike rate up by hitting more along the ground just like his captain does”, Manjrekar tweeted.

Really disappointing with Pant and Shankar today, what a great chance to show their ability. Shankar may have the big shots but he is no Pant, must learn to keep the strike rate up by hitting more along the ground just like his captain does.#AusvIndia — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 13, 2019

He applauded Australia’s displays and termed them a “likeable team”.

“Delighted for Australia! Exceptional series win! Their country must be so proud, this is what they wanted, a winning team that’s also a very likeable team.”

Delighted for Australia! Exceptional series win! Their country must be so proud, this is what they wanted, a winning team that’s also a very likeable team.#cricketaustralia — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 13, 2019

Whoever gets picked in the end, India’s middle order will be its Achilles heel in the WC 2019. — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 13, 2019

In an ominous warning to the Indian side, Manjrekar further added that the struggles of the middle order could undermine India’s chances in the 2019 World Cup.

“Whoever gets picked in the end, India’s middle order will be its Achilles heel in the WC 2019.”