Former selector Saba Karim has backed Avesh Khan’s inclusion in the Asia Cup squad, saying that you cannot leave out youngsters ‘be barbecued’ after backing them.

India announced their squad for the upcoming tournament on 8th August, with Jasprit Bumrah missing out due to an injury. The Indian team management have gone with three recognized pacers in the form of Bhuvneswar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan.

Many were surprised at the exclusion of Mohammed Shami and Khan taking his place in the team. Speaking on Sport 18 show ‘Sports Over the Top’, as quoted by News 18, Karim was quizzed if he was surprised by the exclusion of Shami from the squad. The former wicketkeeper went on to say that once you back youngsters like Khan, you cannot leave them out.

“I feel once you have invested in youngsters like Avesh Khan, you possibly can’t leave them out to be barbecued. Such youngsters haven’t done anything wrong. I can understand Mohammad Shami on current form is a strong bet, more so with Jasprit Bumrah out due to injury, but I just feel that the selectors want to have that kind of security and they want to persist with the youngsters in whom they have shown so much of faith,” said Karim.

Karim also went on to say that he was happy with the work done by the current selection committee and said that the squad for the Asia Cup seems pretty balanced.

“Absolutely right, it’s a tough job and I am happy the way the current selection committee has picked the side for the Asia Cup. It seems pretty balanced to me. It is a solid side. It’s good to see that they are going ahead with players who have that kind of buy-in to Rohit Sharma’s strategy and his tactics,” said Karim.

India will start their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on 28th August.

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