Sanjay Manjrekar heaps praise on Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar for candid press conference

The 17-member Indian cricket squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 was unveiled earlier this week. The revelation followed a pivotal meeting between the esteemed selectors and the team's management, a meeting graced by the presence of the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, and the newly appointed chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. The press conference, held in New Delhi, unfolded crucial insights into the detailed selection process that culminated.

With transparency as their guiding principle, Sharma and Agarkar took centre stage at a subsequent press conference to discuss the squad and shed light on the underlying selection criteria. A notable focal point of the discussion was KL Rahul, who, despite recovering from an injury, got a new niggle during his rehabilitation journey.

Agarkar candidly revealed that this unexpected niggle prompted the management to add Sanju Samson as a backup wicketkeeper, underlining the team's commitment to preparedness.

Former India batter and renowned commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar, commended the duo's straightforward approach during the press conference, hailing their willingness to share details about the squad's composition. On ESPNcricinfo's Selection Day show, Manjrekar expressed, 

"The answer about KL Rahul was important that a niggle has emerged along with the injury that he had recovered from and that is why they have that extra keeper. That kind of detailed sharing of information is what you need. I hope they remain as candid. Nice articulation of all the decisions that were taken."

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody echoed similar sentiments, lauding Rohit and Agarkar for the honesty and transparency they exhibited. Moody emphasized the importance of clear communication in press conferences.

The Asia Cup 2023 is just a few days away and the excitement of cricket fans can be witnessed everywhere to watch the marquee tournament played among Asian sides. This time, India and Pakistan are the top contenders to win this competition while Afghanistan and Bangladesh could pose a tough challenge to the favourites.