Former captain Ramiz Raja gave an eyebrow-raising suggestion ahead of the match between Pakistan and India during the Asia Cup 2023.
Raja said that Pakistan should drop opener Fakhar Zaman, who has struggled for runs in the recent past, for the crucial match against India.
"The big problem is Fakhar Zaman. He is an unorthodox hitter, but when someone like that gets out of form, it takes some time to find solutions on the drawing board. He's a bottom-handed player, plays on the leg-side but somehow he adjusts with that and scores," Raja said on his YouTube channel.
Zaman has not scored a fifty in his last seven ODI innings and has a highest score of 33 during that time.
"He played three matches against Afghanistan and couldn't make a mark as well. His body language is suffering, and Pakistan need an in-form opener. If Imam also gets dismissed cheaply, it creates pressure. Pakistan need to assess Fakhar. I believe they should rest him, give him some time out. Sidelining him is better for him as well as the Pakistan side. He's a good player, Pakistan has given him chances. But against India, with the form that he has, that chance is not worth being taken," he further added.
Pakistan began their Asia Cup 2023 campaign on a high with a massive 238-run win over Nepal on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, India will kick start their tournament with the match against traditional rivals Pakistan on Saturday, September 2, in Kandy.
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
- Fakhar Zaman