Asia Cup 2022 | Salman Butt backs decision to snub Mohammed Shami from India squad for Asia Cup

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has backed India's decision to snub Mohammed Shami from the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has backed India's decision to omit Mohammed Shami from the Asia Cup squad, saying that the right-arm pacer struggled to make an impact with the new ball in UAE.

India announced their squad for the upcoming tournament on 8th August, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan being included as the main seamers. Deepak Chahar was kept on standby as well.

Many experts like Aakash Chopra were left surprised by the team management's decision to snub Shami, given his exploits in the IPL.

However, Butt has now explained the logic behind the decision. Speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Hindustan Times, the former Pakistan captain said that Shami didn't make a significant impact with the new ball last time he played in the UAE.

Butt also suggested that India will need to start looking for players who can bowl and contribute with the bat lower down the order. The 37-year-old also said that he feels India has selected the right squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which will start on 27th August.

“India have rested Mohammad Shami for the Asia Cup. This could be because the last time he played in the UAE, he wasn't able to make a significant impact with the new ball. India have opted for players who are more agile in the field and can also contribute with the bat lower down the order."

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the Asia Cup and India haven't named the likes of Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj in the squad. They have a very young pace attack and Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the most experienced seamer in their side. There are two leg spinners in the squad. I believe they have picked the right squad, considering the conditions in the UAE," said Butt.