Ahead of India vs Pakistan clash in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament, former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar said that stakes are always high when India and Pakistan play together in a World Cup.

He also said that Pakistan may not pose much of a challenge, taking into consideration the form of the Indian team and statistics. "The stakes are always high when India and Pakistan play together but going by Team India's current form and taking the stats into consideration, I don't think Pakistan will pose that much of a challenge," Agarkar told on 'Class of 2007' show on Star Sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-reacts-as-rahul-dravid-reportedly-set-to-succeed-ravi-shastri-as-indias-head-coach-421378">Virat Kohli reacts as Rahul Dravid reportedly set to succeed Ravi Shastri as India's head coach</a>

"Having said that, I don't think we should take our neighbours lightly because cricket is a funny game, and things can change at any moment, especially in the T20 format," he further added.&nbsp;

Talking about the 2007 World Cup, which India won after defeating Pakistan by five runs in the final, Agarkar said, "The entire tournament (2007 T20 World Cup) was a dream tour for us. We never thought a bunch of youngsters could achieve such a feat, that too against Pakistan. I think the India-Pakistan rivalry always brings a tidal wave of emotions and is one the most anticipated clashes in the World Cup."

When it comes to India and Pakistan, both the teams have not played a single bilateral series since 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for a short T20I and ODI series. The last time India faced Pakistan was in the 2019 ODI World Cup when India won&nbsp;and maintained the&nbsp;unbeaten record in World Cups.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whats-the-point-of-playing-harbhajan-singh-takes-a-jibe-at-shoaib-akhtar-ahead-of-india-vs-pakistan-clash-421363">'What's the point of playing?': Harbhajan Singh takes a jibe at Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India vs Pakistan clash</a>

However, ahead of the game, Indian skipper Virat Kohli played down the hype created around the clash. While speaking at the press conference, Kohli said it will just be another cricket game for India against Pakistan on October 24.

"I honestly never felt so," said Kohli when asked if playing against Pakistan is any different for him. "I have just approached this game as another game of cricket and I know there is a lot of hype around this game, more so with ticket sales and demands of tickets," he added.

Ahead of India vs Pakistan clash in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament, former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar said that stakes are always high when India and Pakistan play together in a World Cup.

Ahead of India vs Pakistan clash in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament, former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar said that stakes are always high when India and Pakistan play together in a World Cup. He also said that Pakistan may not pose much of a challenge, taking into consideration the form of the Indian team and statistics. "The stakes are always high when India and Pakistan play together but going by Team India's current form and taking the stats into consideration, I don't think Pakistan will pose that much of a challenge," Agarkar told on 'Class of 2007' show on Star Sports. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli reacts as Rahul Dravid reportedly set to succeed Ravi Shastri as India's head coach "Having said that, I don't think we should take our neighbours lightly because cricket is a funny game, and things can change at any moment, especially in the T20 format," he further added. Talking about the 2007 World Cup, which India won after defeating Pakistan by five runs in the final, Agarkar said, "The entire tournament (2007 T20 World Cup) was a dream tour for us. We never thought a bunch of youngsters could achieve such a feat, that too against Pakistan. I think the India-Pakistan rivalry always brings a tidal wave of emotions and is one the most anticipated clashes in the World Cup." When it comes to India and Pakistan, both the teams have not played a single bilateral series since 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for a short T20I and ODI series. The last time India faced Pakistan was in the 2019 ODI World Cup when India won and maintained the unbeaten record in World Cups. ALSO READ | 'What's the point of playing?': Harbhajan Singh takes a jibe at Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India vs Pakistan clash However, ahead of the game, Indian skipper Virat Kohli played down the hype created around the clash. While speaking at the press conference, Kohli said it will just be another cricket game for India against Pakistan on October 24. "I honestly never felt so," said Kohli when asked if playing against Pakistan is any different for him. "I have just approached this game as another game of cricket and I know there is a lot of hype around this game, more so with ticket sales and demands of tickets," he added.

'The stakes are always high': Ajit Agarkar on India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash

MS Dhoni dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future when he came for the toss in match 53 of IPL 2021, where the three-time champions&nbsp;Chennai Super Kings&nbsp;(CSK) locked horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday afternoon (October 7), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.&nbsp;

While many are speculating on Dhoni's IPL future with the veteran CSK skipper being 40 and not looking at his best with the willow, the former Indian captain addressed the question at the toss and said, "Well, you can see me in yellow next year. But whether I will be playing for CSK? There are a lot of uncertainties around it for a simple reason that we have two new teams coming up."

As a mega auction is likely to take up later this year, ahead of IPL 2022, and two new teams are set to join the cash-rich league, no official confirmation is presented to every franchise regarding how many players a team can retain and about the use of Right To Match (RTM) card. Hence, Dhoni isn't sure in what capacity will he be present in the CSK dugout.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whether-ill-be-playing-for-csk-ms-dhoni-hints-at-calling-it-quits-from-ipl-after-2021-season-418865">'Whether I'll be playing for CSK....' - MS Dhoni hints at calling it quits from IPL after 2021 season</a>

Reacting to his statements at the toss, former England spinner Graeme Swann and ex-Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar also shared their views on the matter. Swann told Star Sports, "I actually would. He is more than just a player for CSK. CSK without Dhoni isn't CSK."

On the other hand, Agarkar stated, "I think yeah, he spoke about it before that he clearly wants to play in front of the Chennai fans. Of course, it's a great thing for the IPL as well. he wants to do well as a player too. But it will all depend on the retentions and the Right to Match rules as well. The positive is he still wants to play, that's a good thing for CSK."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-needs-to-gautam-gambhir-opines-on-ms-dhonis-struggles-has-a-word-of-advice-for-csk-skipper-418821">'He needs to...' - Gautam Gambhir opines on MS Dhoni's struggles, has a word of advice for CSK skipper</a>

At present, Dhoni-led CSK are sure to feature in the playoffs but have lost three back-to-back games heading into the last four. They will hope to play the Qualifier 1 in order to get an extra chance to enter the final and go for their fourth IPL championship.

MS Dhoni dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future when he came for the toss in match 53 of IPL 2021, where the three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday afternoon (October 7), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

MS Dhoni dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future when he came for the toss in match 53 of IPL 2021, where the three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday afternoon (October 7), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While many are speculating on Dhoni's IPL future with the veteran CSK skipper being 40 and not looking at his best with the willow, the former Indian captain addressed the question at the toss and said, "Well, you can see me in yellow next year. But whether I will be playing for CSK? There are a lot of uncertainties around it for a simple reason that we have two new teams coming up." As a mega auction is likely to take up later this year, ahead of IPL 2022, and two new teams are set to join the cash-rich league, no official confirmation is presented to every franchise regarding how many players a team can retain and about the use of Right To Match (RTM) card. Hence, Dhoni isn't sure in what capacity will he be present in the CSK dugout. ALSO READ | 'Whether I'll be playing for CSK....' - MS Dhoni hints at calling it quits from IPL after 2021 season Reacting to his statements at the toss, former England spinner Graeme Swann and ex-Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar also shared their views on the matter. Swann told Star Sports, "I actually would. He is more than just a player for CSK. CSK without Dhoni isn't CSK." On the other hand, Agarkar stated, "I think yeah, he spoke about it before that he clearly wants to play in front of the Chennai fans. Of course, it's a great thing for the IPL as well. he wants to do well as a player too. But it will all depend on the retentions and the Right to Match rules as well. The positive is he still wants to play, that's a good thing for CSK." ALSO READ | 'He needs to...' - Gautam Gambhir opines on MS Dhoni's struggles, has a word of advice for CSK skipper At present, Dhoni-led CSK are sure to feature in the playoffs but have lost three back-to-back games heading into the last four. They will hope to play the Qualifier 1 in order to get an extra chance to enter the final and go for their fourth IPL championship.

Graeme Swann, Ajit Agarkar react as CSK skipper MS Dhoni hints at IPL retirement after 2021 season

Indian Premier League 2021, currently underway in UAE, is a precursor for the upcoming &nbsp;ICC T20 World Cup which is set to begin October 17 in UAE and Oman. For the upcoming showpiece event, Indian national selectors had picked the squad last month, before the second phase of IPL 2021 started.&nbsp;

Ever since the squad was announced, critics and some of the former players expressed their opinions over the snub of some top players like Shikhar Dhawan, Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal. Most importantly, they have performed well during the IPL 2021 UAE leg.&nbsp;On the other hand, some selected players in the Indian squad like Rahul Chahar, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have failed to impress so far.&nbsp;

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As former Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday (October 5) said he is still hoping to see Yuzvendra Chahal in India's T20 World Cup squad. He also advised Chahal to not bowl too slow which was one of the reasons for the spinner's exclusion from the squad. "You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup. Champion bowler," Harbhajan tweeted for Chahal.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace 😝.. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup.. Champion bowler 👍 <a href="https://t.co/ZOhxlNsmhv">https://t.co/ZOhxlNsmhv</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1445323782181330949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Now, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar feels the selectors shouldn't make any change in the squad despite some players going through a lean patch ahead of the showpiece event in UAE.&nbsp;

"In my opinion, once you have picked the squad for World Cup - barring injury - I don't think you should make any changes. Yes, there are guys at the moment who are not in their great form, but it only takes one innings - whether it's bowling or batting - to change that form around, and that could still happen before the end of the IPL," Agarkar said while speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.&nbsp;

Agarkar wants the selector to stick with the squad as only one inning (in IPL 2021) is needed for a player to regain the form.&nbsp;

"So, if you think that's the best 15 you've picked going to the World Cup, my personal opinion, I would stick with it, because you have got to show faith in people even when things are not looking so good, because things can turn around very quickly," Agarkar added.&nbsp;

India squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rahul Chahar, Varun, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan.&nbsp;

Standby players:&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.

Indian Premier League 2021, currently underway in UAE, is a precursor for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup which is set to begin October 17 in UAE and Oman. For the upcoming showpiece event, Indian national selectors had picked the squad last month, before the second phase of IPL 2021 started.

Indian Premier League 2021, currently underway in UAE, is a precursor for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup which is set to begin October 17 in UAE and Oman. For the upcoming showpiece event, Indian national selectors had picked the squad last month, before the second phase of IPL 2021 started. Ever since the squad was announced, critics and some of the former players expressed their opinions over the snub of some top players like Shikhar Dhawan, Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal. Most importantly, they have performed well during the IPL 2021 UAE leg. On the other hand, some selected players in the Indian squad like Rahul Chahar, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have failed to impress so far. ALSO READ | 'Don't drag India' - BCCI official slams claims accusing Indian board of influencing England, NZ to cancel Pak tours As former Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday (October 5) said he is still hoping to see Yuzvendra Chahal in India's T20 World Cup squad. He also advised Chahal to not bowl too slow which was one of the reasons for the spinner's exclusion from the squad. "You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup. Champion bowler," Harbhajan tweeted for Chahal. You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace 😝.. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup.. Champion bowler 👍 https://t.co/ZOhxlNsmhv — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 5, 2021 × Now, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar feels the selectors shouldn't make any change in the squad despite some players going through a lean patch ahead of the showpiece event in UAE. "In my opinion, once you have picked the squad for World Cup - barring injury - I don't think you should make any changes. Yes, there are guys at the moment who are not in their great form, but it only takes one innings - whether it's bowling or batting - to change that form around, and that could still happen before the end of the IPL," Agarkar said while speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Cricket Connected. Agarkar wants the selector to stick with the squad as only one inning (in IPL 2021) is needed for a player to regain the form. "So, if you think that's the best 15 you've picked going to the World Cup, my personal opinion, I would stick with it, because you have got to show faith in people even when things are not looking so good, because things can turn around very quickly," Agarkar added. India squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rahul Chahar, Varun, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan. Standby players: Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.

Should India re-think T20 World Cup squad? Harbhajan Singh and Ajit Agarkar have contrasting opinions

With just over a week to go for the juggernaut clash between India and New Zealand for the World Test Championship finals, former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar pointed out two of Virat and Co.'s biggest strengths.

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According to Agarkar, resilience and belief are Team India's biggest strength as they head into the final clash at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.&nbsp;

“I think a couple of things, resilience or just belief in your ability or in your own team,” Agarkar said on Star Sports show Game Plan.

He recalled India's series against Australia and England while explaining his point.&nbsp;

“Look at the England series at home, we expected India to win. Yes, the conditions suit their (India) wicket or their spin bowling, but they lost the first Test comprehensively. They came back and beat England really well in the next three Tests,” Agarkar added.

Ajit Agarkar, who featured for Team India for 26 Tests, 191 ODIs and 4 T20Is, felt that the series against Australia gave India players like Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan and Mohammed Siraj.

“Look at Australia (series), they (India) lost that first Test, bowled out at what 36 – losing the host of your first team players, whether it's your best batsman in the team, Virat Kohli, your best bowler in the team, Mohammad Shami, those sort of losses. By the end of the series, you had a Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan, Mohammad Siraj bowling for you, against a full-strength Australian team and you still managed to find a way to win in those situations. So, the depth in that team – even though there was not a lot of experience – the guys that came in had enough belief that they could turn up. That’s been India’s strength,” Agarkar said.

“There have been some tricky situations. Apart from those two Tests in New Zealand, in general, if you look at India’s records in recent times, they’ve always competed, if not won and found ways to win with different players, which has been their strength,” he added.

With just over a week to go for the juggernaut clash between India and New Zealand for the World Test Championship finals, former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar pointed out two of Virat and Co.

With just over a week to go for the juggernaut clash between India and New Zealand for the World Test Championship finals, former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar pointed out two of Virat and Co.'s biggest strengths. ALSO READ: Cricket: Yuvraj Singh predicts opening duo of Team India for WTC Finals According to Agarkar, resilience and belief are Team India's biggest strength as they head into the final clash at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. “I think a couple of things, resilience or just belief in your ability or in your own team,” Agarkar said on Star Sports show Game Plan. He recalled India's series against Australia and England while explaining his point. “Look at the England series at home, we expected India to win. Yes, the conditions suit their (India) wicket or their spin bowling, but they lost the first Test comprehensively. They came back and beat England really well in the next three Tests,” Agarkar added. Ajit Agarkar, who featured for Team India for 26 Tests, 191 ODIs and 4 T20Is, felt that the series against Australia gave India players like Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan and Mohammed Siraj. “Look at Australia (series), they (India) lost that first Test, bowled out at what 36 – losing the host of your first team players, whether it's your best batsman in the team, Virat Kohli, your best bowler in the team, Mohammad Shami, those sort of losses. By the end of the series, you had a Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan, Mohammad Siraj bowling for you, against a full-strength Australian team and you still managed to find a way to win in those situations. So, the depth in that team – even though there was not a lot of experience – the guys that came in had enough belief that they could turn up. That’s been India’s strength,” Agarkar said. “There have been some tricky situations. Apart from those two Tests in New Zealand, in general, if you look at India’s records in recent times, they’ve always competed, if not won and found ways to win with different players, which has been their strength,” he added.

Cricket- 'Resilience and belief': Ajit Agarkar points out Team India's strengths ahead of WTC Finals

Ajit Agarkar has named Mohammed Shami as his first pick in Team India's pace department for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand.&nbsp;

There has been a great deal of hypothesis about India's decision of seamers for the title decider. A spilled brief snippet of Virat Kohli saying he will focus on the Kiwis left-handers with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj working around the wicket has been doing the rounds.&nbsp;

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During a conversation on Star Sports, Ajit Agarkar picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma as his favored seam department for Team India.

"The seamers will play a part and India has got as formidable an attack as any in the world. I think that's been their strength over the last few years. Whether it is a Bumrah, Shami - the No.1 bowler for me for a Test line-up for India and Ishant Sharma, he has gotten better over his career as he has played" - he said&nbsp;

He brought up that the Virat Kohli-drove side can even pick to play the fourth seamer in the event that it is a green top.&nbsp;

"So, those three certainly will start and if it is a green seaming wicket, you might see a fourth one for all you know. We still don't know what the conditions are likely to be but we presume in England, with the Dukes' ball, in particular, there will always be helpful for the seam bowlers. You can't imagine a pitch being very dry in mid-June" - he added.

Team India is probably going to play Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja alongside three pace bowlers, except if the conditions are shifted intensely for the seamers. Shardul Thakur may very well push out Mohammed Siraj if India ends up playing the fourth seamer to add some profundity to the batting line-up.

While expressing that the two sides will tingle to be the victors of the debut ICC World Test Championship, Ajit Agarkar was especially energetic about Team India making the last in the wake of being gone up against with a tough assignment at one phase.&nbsp;

"It is a big deal. Everyone remembers the first person to get to any sort of landmark and that's what makes it special. So, to be involved and particularly in the middle when the rules changed, the percentages came into play when India was way ahead at one point, they still had to get the job done. Both teams will be up for it and both teams will be very excited to be a part of it" - he said. 
&nbsp;

Ajit Agarkar has named Mohammed Shami as his first pick in Team India's pace department for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. There has been a great deal of hypothesis about India's decision of seamers for the title decider.

Ajit Agarkar has named Mohammed Shami as his first pick in Team India's pace department for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. There has been a great deal of hypothesis about India's decision of seamers for the title decider. A spilled brief snippet of Virat Kohli saying he will focus on the Kiwis left-handers with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj working around the wicket has been doing the rounds. Also read: Football: Spain coach Luis Enrique wants fans to stop booing players During a conversation on Star Sports, Ajit Agarkar picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma as his favored seam department for Team India. "The seamers will play a part and India has got as formidable an attack as any in the world. I think that's been their strength over the last few years. Whether it is a Bumrah, Shami - the No.1 bowler for me for a Test line-up for India and Ishant Sharma, he has gotten better over his career as he has played" - he said He brought up that the Virat Kohli-drove side can even pick to play the fourth seamer in the event that it is a green top. "So, those three certainly will start and if it is a green seaming wicket, you might see a fourth one for all you know. We still don't know what the conditions are likely to be but we presume in England, with the Dukes' ball, in particular, there will always be helpful for the seam bowlers. You can't imagine a pitch being very dry in mid-June" - he added. Team India is probably going to play Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja alongside three pace bowlers, except if the conditions are shifted intensely for the seamers. Shardul Thakur may very well push out Mohammed Siraj if India ends up playing the fourth seamer to add some profundity to the batting line-up. While expressing that the two sides will tingle to be the victors of the debut ICC World Test Championship, Ajit Agarkar was especially energetic about Team India making the last in the wake of being gone up against with a tough assignment at one phase. "It is a big deal. Everyone remembers the first person to get to any sort of landmark and that's what makes it special. So, to be involved and particularly in the middle when the rules changed, the percentages came into play when India was way ahead at one point, they still had to get the job done. Both teams will be up for it and both teams will be very excited to be a part of it" - he said.

Cricket: Ajit Agarkar picks his No.1 bowler for the inaugural WTC Final

Ajit Agarkar has vigorously censured the pitches utilized in Chennai for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The former India pacer marked the wicket for Friday's match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings as 'ordinary' since it didn't uphold the lively scoring of runs.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians' renowned batting line-up could set up only 131 runs against Punjab Kings. Accordingly, the Punjab Kings batted forcefully and chased the total with nine wickets to spare.&nbsp;

In spite of the fact that the Chennai pitch has likewise seen more than 200 runs scored in an innings this season, the wickets have typically been languid and turn agreeable, making it hard for most batsmen to hit through the line.&nbsp;

Ajit Agarkar conceded that it is hard to keep up high-scoring pitches in the midst of Chennai's warmth and IPL 2021's firmly stuffed schedule.

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"You've got to sympathize with the groundsmen because the games are coming thick and fast but we have consistently seen these sort of pitches which have progressively gotten worse. This is in a way understandable because of the heat in Chennai and the very little time to prepare the wickets. But today was a tough pitch. I mean, it was a pretty ordinary wicket," Ajit Agarkar told ESPNCricinfo.

He also added that the pitches utilised IPL 2021 ought to, at any rate, see scores of 150-160 being made by the teams batting first.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-maxwell-to-dhawan-five-players-who-have-rocked-ipl-2021-so-far-379570" hreflang="en">From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far</a>

"Anything other than 130 that they [Punjab Kings] had to get, they would have had to take some chances a little bit earlier and that's where teams chasing can get into trouble. I have no problem in seeing difficult pitches, you know being a former bowler, but you want to see pitches where you can get 150-160 with teams being able to chase that. If you get 160 on this pitch, I don't think a team will be able to chase that no matter what," added Ajit Agarkar. 
&nbsp;

Ajit Agarkar has vigorously censured the pitches utilized in Chennai for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The former India pacer marked the wicket for Friday's match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings as 'ordinary' since it didn't uphold the lively scoring of runs.

Ajit Agarkar has vigorously censured the pitches utilized in Chennai for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The former India pacer marked the wicket for Friday's match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings as 'ordinary' since it didn't uphold the lively scoring of runs. Mumbai Indians' renowned batting line-up could set up only 131 runs against Punjab Kings. Accordingly, the Punjab Kings batted forcefully and chased the total with nine wickets to spare. In spite of the fact that the Chennai pitch has likewise seen more than 200 runs scored in an innings this season, the wickets have typically been languid and turn agreeable, making it hard for most batsmen to hit through the line. Ajit Agarkar conceded that it is hard to keep up high-scoring pitches in the midst of Chennai's warmth and IPL 2021's firmly stuffed schedule. ALSO READ: Chris Gayle is probably the best T20 player ever: Pommie Mbangwa "You've got to sympathize with the groundsmen because the games are coming thick and fast but we have consistently seen these sort of pitches which have progressively gotten worse. This is in a way understandable because of the heat in Chennai and the very little time to prepare the wickets. But today was a tough pitch. I mean, it was a pretty ordinary wicket," Ajit Agarkar told ESPNCricinfo. He also added that the pitches utilised IPL 2021 ought to, at any rate, see scores of 150-160 being made by the teams batting first. ALSO READ: From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far "Anything other than 130 that they [Punjab Kings] had to get, they would have had to take some chances a little bit earlier and that's where teams chasing can get into trouble. I have no problem in seeing difficult pitches, you know being a former bowler, but you want to see pitches where you can get 150-160 with teams being able to chase that. If you get 160 on this pitch, I don't think a team will be able to chase that no matter what," added Ajit Agarkar.

IPL 2021: Ajit Agarkar criticises Chennai pitch used in Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings match

Ajit Agarkar has brought up issue stamps over Chris Gayle's position in the Punjab Kings' playing XI. PBKS capitulated to their third sequential loss in IPL 2021 after their nine-wicket misfortune against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Chris Gayle began his IPL 2021 mission from a positive point of view, scoring a quickfire 40 off 28 balls against the Rajasthan Royals. Be that as it may, from that point forward, the southpaw has just amassed a day and a half in three games.&nbsp;

Previous India pacer Ajit Agarkar recognized that dropping Gayle from PBKS' playing XI would be an intense choice, allowed the 41-year-old's great presentation with the bat last season.

"He got 40 in the first game. The challenge with Chris Gayle is that he did not play the first few games last season and then came back and he was as good as ever. So I can understand it is a difficult decision to sit him out. If he is it and when he has done well, you always want to accommodate him. How long can you go on if he is not firing, especially at this stage of his career?” said&nbsp;Ajit Agarkar.

 
Last season, Punjab Kings (at that point Kings XI Punjab) got off to a terrible beginning, winning only one of their initial seven games. Nonetheless, they figured out how to make something happen and win their next five matches on the skip. Punjab's adjustment of fortune agreed with the incorporation of Chris Gayle, who scored 288 runs in seven games at a normal of 41.14.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings' associate mentor Andy Flower recognized Chris Gayle's powerlessness to run fast singles and twos go about as a debilitation for PBKS in Chennai. Playing forceful strokes has been hard on the MA Chidambaram pitch, with the ball holding and turning on the track.&nbsp;

In such conditions, picking holes and pivoting the strike regularly gets fundamental, with Flower demanding that in a perfect world, groups would need fast sprinters in the center.&nbsp;

With a gifted batsman like Dawid Malan standing ready, it stays not yet clear how long the Punjab Kings will continue with Chris Gayle in their playing XI.

Ajit Agarkar has brought up issue stamps over Chris Gayle's position in the Punjab Kings' playing XI. PBKS capitulated to their third sequential loss in IPL 2021 after their nine-wicket misfortune against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Ajit Agarkar has brought up issue stamps over Chris Gayle's position in the Punjab Kings' playing XI. PBKS capitulated to their third sequential loss in IPL 2021 after their nine-wicket misfortune against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. Chris Gayle began his IPL 2021 mission from a positive point of view, scoring a quickfire 40 off 28 balls against the Rajasthan Royals. Be that as it may, from that point forward, the southpaw has just amassed a day and a half in three games. Previous India pacer Ajit Agarkar recognized that dropping Gayle from PBKS' playing XI would be an intense choice, allowed the 41-year-old's great presentation with the bat last season. "He got 40 in the first game. The challenge with Chris Gayle is that he did not play the first few games last season and then came back and he was as good as ever. So I can understand it is a difficult decision to sit him out. If he is it and when he has done well, you always want to accommodate him. How long can you go on if he is not firing, especially at this stage of his career?” said Ajit Agarkar. Last season, Punjab Kings (at that point Kings XI Punjab) got off to a terrible beginning, winning only one of their initial seven games. Nonetheless, they figured out how to make something happen and win their next five matches on the skip. Punjab's adjustment of fortune agreed with the incorporation of Chris Gayle, who scored 288 runs in seven games at a normal of 41.14. Punjab Kings' associate mentor Andy Flower recognized Chris Gayle's powerlessness to run fast singles and twos go about as a debilitation for PBKS in Chennai. Playing forceful strokes has been hard on the MA Chidambaram pitch, with the ball holding and turning on the track. In such conditions, picking holes and pivoting the strike regularly gets fundamental, with Flower demanding that in a perfect world, groups would need fast sprinters in the center. With a gifted batsman like Dawid Malan standing ready, it stays not yet clear how long the Punjab Kings will continue with Chris Gayle in their playing XI.

IPL 2021 - Ajit Agarkar questions Chris Gayle's spot Punjab Kings playing XI

T Natarajan and Washington Sundar made their debut for Team India after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the final Test due to injury. However, former India bowler Ajit Agarkar feels that another bowler could have filled in the spot.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/happening-since-1932-sunil-gavaskar-points-out-main-issue-with-indias-bowling-unit-356928" hreflang="en">'Happening since 1932': Sunil Gavaskar points out main issue with India's bowling unit</a>

Former India paceman feels that it is unfair to chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav for not being included in the squad and should be disappointed after the omission.&nbsp;

“I think Kuldeep should be very disappointed, and why shouldn’t he? After the last Test of the last series, he was the No. 1 spinner for India. He hasn’t played a Test since I think. If you're going in with five bowlers, which they've obviously looked at the experience and perhaps thought need a cushion. But why not play another spinner? It gives you that balance in the attack. If the pitch flattens out, and there isn’t much for the quicks, then suddenly it becomes a one-dimensional attack,” Agarkar said on the 'Extraaa Innings' show on Sony Sports Network.

“Even in that attack, there isn’t anyone like a Mitchell Starc, who’s out and out like a quick bowler. So if there a sameness in the attack, they&nbsp;might as well provide that variety which Kuldeep provides. He’s done well earlier in Australia and yes, there is this thing about him that he bowls a little slow but conditions here will afford him that pace naturally. So very surprised that he’s not playing and he must be very disappointed.”

Yadav&nbsp;had a prolific run in 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar trophy. He claimed a five-wicket haul at the Sydney Cricket Ground Test.&nbsp;

T Natarajan and Washington Sundar made their debut for Team India after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the final Test due to injury. However, former India bowler Ajit Agarkar feels that another bowler could have filled in the spot.

T Natarajan and Washington Sundar made their debut for Team India after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the final Test due to injury. However, former India bowler Ajit Agarkar feels that another bowler could have filled in the spot. ALSO READ: 'Happening since 1932': Sunil Gavaskar points out main issue with India's bowling unit Former India paceman feels that it is unfair to chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav for not being included in the squad and should be disappointed after the omission. “I think Kuldeep should be very disappointed, and why shouldn’t he? After the last Test of the last series, he was the No. 1 spinner for India. He hasn’t played a Test since I think. If you're going in with five bowlers, which they've obviously looked at the experience and perhaps thought need a cushion. But why not play another spinner? It gives you that balance in the attack. If the pitch flattens out, and there isn’t much for the quicks, then suddenly it becomes a one-dimensional attack,” Agarkar said on the 'Extraaa Innings' show on Sony Sports Network. “Even in that attack, there isn’t anyone like a Mitchell Starc, who’s out and out like a quick bowler. So if there a sameness in the attack, they might as well provide that variety which Kuldeep provides. He’s done well earlier in Australia and yes, there is this thing about him that he bowls a little slow but conditions here will afford him that pace naturally. So very surprised that he’s not playing and he must be very disappointed.” Yadav had a prolific run in 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar trophy. He claimed a five-wicket haul at the Sydney Cricket Ground Test.

'Not good selection': Ajit Agarkar not impressed with Kuldeep Yadav's omission

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday appointed Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty as the new selectors for the national team.&nbsp;By virtue of seniority (most Tests played), Chetan Sharma will be the chairman of the committee and will take charge from Sunil Joshi, who was also appointed selector by the same CAC.&nbsp;

The CAC comprising of former Indian cricketers Madan Lal, RP Singh and Sulakshana Naik on Thursday interviewed Nayan Mongia, Ajit Agarkar and Abey Kuruvilla (West Zone), Maninder Singh, Chetan Sharma and Nikhil Chopra (North Zone) and Ranadeb Bose and Shiv Sunder Das (East Zone) for the three vacant posts in what is supposed to be a five-man panel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

Madan Lal-led CAC appointed Chetan Sharma, Kuruvilla and Mohanty as the new national selectors and the trio will replace Devang Gandhi (East Zone), Sarandeep Singh (North Zone) and Jatin Paranjape (West Zone), in the senior men’s selection committee.

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The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Mr Madan Lal, Mr Rudra Pratap Singh and Ms Sulakshana Naik met virtually to select three members of the All-India Senior Selection Committee (Men).
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1342128025006063619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Chetan Sharma was selected from North Zone, Abey Kuruvilla from West Zone and Debasis Mohanty from East Zone. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-agm-10-team-ipl-approved-from-2022-edition-board-to-back-crickets-inclusion-in-2028-olympics-352059" hreflang="en">BCCI AGM: 10-team IPL approved from 2022 edition, board to back cricket's inclusion in 2028 Olympics</a>

On Thursday, CAC conducted online interviews for the first time to pick national selectors.&nbsp; 
In another news, the BCCI on Thursday approved a 10-team IPL from 2022 edition during the 89th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ahmedabad. The BCCI will also support ICC for the inclusion of cricket in 2028 Olympics while many key decisions were taken on domestic cricket including a compensation package for domestic players in case Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy gets cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.&nbsp; 
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday appointed Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty as the new selectors for the national team.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday appointed Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty as the new selectors for the national team. By virtue of seniority (most Tests played), Chetan Sharma will be the chairman of the committee and will take charge from Sunil Joshi, who was also appointed selector by the same CAC. The CAC comprising of former Indian cricketers Madan Lal, RP Singh and Sulakshana Naik on Thursday interviewed Nayan Mongia, Ajit Agarkar and Abey Kuruvilla (West Zone), Maninder Singh, Chetan Sharma and Nikhil Chopra (North Zone) and Ranadeb Bose and Shiv Sunder Das (East Zone) for the three vacant posts in what is supposed to be a five-man panel. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Madan Lal-led CAC appointed Chetan Sharma, Kuruvilla and Mohanty as the new national selectors and the trio will replace Devang Gandhi (East Zone), Sarandeep Singh (North Zone) and Jatin Paranjape (West Zone), in the senior men’s selection committee. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Mr Madan Lal, Mr Rudra Pratap Singh and Ms Sulakshana Naik met virtually to select three members of the All-India Senior Selection Committee (Men). — BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2020 × Chetan Sharma was selected from North Zone, Abey Kuruvilla from West Zone and Debasis Mohanty from East Zone. ALSO READ: BCCI AGM: 10-team IPL approved from 2022 edition, board to back cricket's inclusion in 2028 Olympics On Thursday, CAC conducted online interviews for the first time to pick national selectors. In another news, the BCCI on Thursday approved a 10-team IPL from 2022 edition during the 89th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ahmedabad. The BCCI will also support ICC for the inclusion of cricket in 2028 Olympics while many key decisions were taken on domestic cricket including a compensation package for domestic players in case Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy gets cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

Chetan Sharma named Team India's chief selector; Abey Kuruvilla, Debashish Mohanty appointed selectors

There is still some time left for the New Year celebrations to begin, but it seems that the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has already settled into a celebratory mode with run machine Yuvraj Singh.

The two along with former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar can be seen in a jovial mood and having fun in a pre-New Year&rsquo;s party.

Yuvraj took to Instagram account to share the photo from the party.

&ldquo;Thanks @sachintendulkar for the lovely night was great fun #monster Agarkar,&rdquo; read the caption of the image.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdVAMD6hohc/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thanks @sachintendulkar for the lovely night was great fun &lsquo; ???#monster Agarkar ??</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yuvisofficial/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Yuvraj Singh</a> (@yuvisofficial) on <time datetime="2017-12-30T13:32:22+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 30, 2017 at 5:32am PST</time>
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The trio was earlier seen together at skipper Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma&rsquo;s wedding reception in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Yuvraj Singh cleared the Yo-Yo fitness test and insisted that he won&rsquo;t give up on his cricketing career till 2019. 
&nbsp;

The two along with Ajit Agarkar can be seen in a jovial mood and having fun in a pre-New Year?s party

There is still some time left for the New Year celebrations to begin, but it seems that the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has already settled into a celebratory mode with run machine Yuvraj Singh. The two along with former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar can be seen in a jovial mood and having fun in a pre-New Year’s party. Yuvraj took to Instagram account to share the photo from the party. “Thanks @sachintendulkar for the lovely night was great fun #monster Agarkar,” read the caption of the image. Thanks @sachintendulkar for the lovely night was great fun ‘ ???#monster Agarkar ?? A post shared by Yuvraj Singh (@yuvisofficial) on Dec 30, 2017 at 5:32am PST × The trio was earlier seen together at skipper Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding reception in Mumbai. Earlier this year, Yuvraj Singh cleared the Yo-Yo fitness test and insisted that he won’t give up on his cricketing career till 2019.

Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar celebrate New Year in style

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