Virat Kohli is being criticized for his decision not to go with the middle-order batsman Manish Pandey in the first ODI match against New Zealand. While the all-rounder Kedar Jadhav was given a place in the final XI. It has led the fans to question Kohli and team management’s strategy to drop in-form Pandey.
In the recent past, Jadhav couldn’t show much promise. On the other hand, Pandey has almost remained not out in the last innings played for India. Also, he has proved to be an interesting finisher.
In the fourth T20I match, the Karnataka player also scored an unbeaten half-century to lead the team to set a fighting total against New Zealand.
Also, in the last five innings played, he has remained not out. While in the ODI series against Australia, he didn’t get enough chances to prove himself with the willow.
But Pandey’s performance did not stop the Indian team-management from dropping him for the ongoing ODI against New Zealand as Jadhav got a chance to prove his metal.
Jadhav last played ODI series against the West Indies in the home series where he failed to do well. He also bowled in just one match and had gone wicketless.
However, skipper Kohli preferred Jadhav over Pandey. He also stated the reason during the toss. Indian skipper explained that Jadhav’s inclusion in the playing XI would add to the bowling option. but Kohli’s reason didn’t make a difference as fans went on to troll him and team management.
Have a look at some of the Twitter reactions after Manish Pandey misses out on to play 1st ODI against New Zealand with Kedar Jadhav being introduced in the line-up:
On what basis have they dropped Saini from the team? Matlab dimaag hai hi nahi bc. And Kedar Jadhav ladies and gentlemen. Kedar fucking Jadhav.
Sharam ghar bech ke aye hai buggers.
I, mean, how?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?— ? (@DrogonDracarys_) February 5, 2020
Shardul Thakur is playing ahead of Navdeep Saini because he can swing well, Kedar Jadhav is playing ahead of Manish Pandey/Rishabh Pant because he can bowl a bit.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 5, 2020
England are already moving away from some of their core from CWC 2019 as they are looking beyond Moeen, Plunkett and Adil Rashid keeping CWC 2023 in mind.
And then, there is India who are still picking Kedar Jadhav over Manish Pandey or Rishabh Pant in the XI#NZvIND
— Chiggy Viggy (@IdlySambhar) February 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/sarvagyasonu/status/1224901971586551808?s=20
World cup champions England already started dropping players who are in mid 30s to start preparing for next world cup. But hey we won't drop kedar jadhav ?? #INDvNZ
— Anju #TeamIndia (@Deep_Point_) February 5, 2020
Kedar Jadhav despite not knowing his current form gets many opportunities.
Manish Pandey who is currently the fittest player in India, athletic in field, top form ignored everytime. WHY?? #NZvsIND #NZvIND
— Ashvattha ? (@rockhearted_) February 5, 2020
#NZvIND Kedar Jadhav such a tardy person while throwing the ball will start in top 11 and Manish Pandey who is holding the helm of the Indian fielding is dropped out.
— yash (@Yashjr10) February 5, 2020
And we have Kedar Jadhav still part of ODI squad
— Aditya Amberkar (@aditya_amberkar) February 4, 2020
Picked India's future, 34 Y'O talented Kedar Jadhav instead of Rishabh Pant uno.
— . (@FtblSharique) February 5, 2020
Meanwhile, in Hamilton, Virat Kohli’s men set the target of 347 runs against the host New Zealand in the first ODI match.