Ahead of the Qualifier 2 clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI), former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag didn’t hold back in criticizing the lackluster performances of GT’s explosive hitter Dasun Shanaka. Sehwag, known for his straightforward opinions, expressed his blunt verdict on Shanaka’s disappointing outings for the franchise in the ongoing IPL 2023 season.
Stepping in as a replacement for the injured Kane Williamson, Shanaka struggled to find his rhythm and endured a series of poor scores. In his three appearances so far, he has managed scores of 9*, 0, and 17, accumulating a meager total of just 26 runs.
Sehwag’s concerns over Shanaka’s underwhelming form ahead of the crucial Qualifier 2 were evident. He straightforwardly suggested that GT should consider playing Abhinav Manohar instead of Shanaka in the crucial match.
“I’m not worried about the bowling too much. But I am worried about Dasun Shanaka, GT can play Odean Smith and Alzarri Joseph for him. Shanaka has been disappointing. We had big hopes from him and he hasn’t lived up to even 1 percent to those expectations. GT should play (Abhinav) Manohar instead of Shanaka, as he is a batter who can smash sixes,”
Sehwag said.
Mumbai will have to play well against Titans: Sehwag
Sehwag emphasized the importance of Mumbai Indians (MI) delivering their best performance to secure victory against the Gujarat Titans. He noted that the defending champions would be determined to bounce back after their previous defeat at the Wankhede Stadium. Sehwag also mentioned the possibility of Mumbai making a change by introducing Kumar Kartikeya for the crucial do-or-die match.
“When they go to Ahmedabad, Mumbai will have to play well against Gujarat Titans because they lost their previous match against MI at the Wankhede Stadium. I don’t think Mumbai will make a lot of changes. I can see Hrithik Shokeen being replaced by another bowler, maybe Kumar Kartikeya might come in. Otherwise, I don’t think they’ll make many changes,”
Sehwag further added.
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