Prior to the explosive match between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2022, legendary Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar stated his worries over Rohit Sharma's deteriorating form. The Rohit-led Team India defeated Hong Kong in their previous match to advance to the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2022 after earning a spirit-boosting victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament debut. For the second time in Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Stadium, the Rohit-led Team India and Pakistan will renew their historic rivalry on Sunday.

Akhtar, a Pakistani fast bowler who ranks among the best in the world, is never afraid to express his opinions. Before the exciting match between the Asian giants in the Super 4 stage, former Pakistani cricketer Akhtar has now made a daring declaration regarding Indian captain Rohit. In the present Asia Cup, veteran opener Rohit has struggled with his form. When India and Pakistan last faced off in the Asia Cup in 2022, the explosive batter ultimately played a patient knock.

Before the tantalising match between the two bitter rivals, Akhtar said on his YouTube channel that Rohit is "trapped" as India's captain. Hardik Pandya, an all-rounder, is a "strong candidate" to represent India in the shortest format, according to Akhtar. "I think Rohit Sharma is stuck as a captain. He doesn’t seem to be enjoying it, and he is taking a lot of pressure, so he is out of form. Hardik Pandya is a significant factor after he recovered from a back injury. He guided his team [Gujarat Titans] to IPL 2022 trophy as captain, and he is a powerful contender to be captain for T20I,” Akhtar said.

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