Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar is happy with India’s hammering 124-run victory over Pakistan.
Manjrekar, however, is concerned about their sinking performance in international cricket and stressed upon the players' fitness.
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“There are few things that we can control amid adversities. Fitness is one of them,” Manjrekar said in a video he tweeted on Monday.
Chasing a target of 320 runs, which was further reduced to 289 in 41 overs, Pakistan failed to put a strong fight back. Sarfraz Ahmed and his company were wrapped for a paltry 164 runs.
“No team wants to play in Pakistan these days, therefore exposure and skills improvements are beyond their controls, but fitness is in their hands,” Manjrekar added, emphasising the reason behind Pakistan’s humiliating defeat.
The 51-year-old cricketer-turned commentator suggested Pakistan should take a cue from India, who have improved miraculously in the past.
“This is where the Indian cricket has grown. Pakistan can learn from Indian cricket. It was disappointing to see Pakistan struggling in a 50-over match,” he said.
The right-handed batsman, who scored more than 4,000 runs in international cricket, took a trip down memory lane and said the intensity of the India-Pakistan rivalry has reduced with the passage of time.
“In our era, it was fun because Pakistan used to be a strong team. It’s not the case anymore. Pakistan have always been my second favourite team after India because I’ve seen Pakistan at their best,” Manjrekar added.
