Agarkar puzzled over Dhoni, Yuvraj's existence in playing XI

New Delhi: Following the defeat of Indian Cricket team in the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan, former cricketers are raising questions about team combination and are unsure about the existence of some senior players in the side for long.

The same is the case with former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar who is perplexed over Dhoni and Yuvraj's presence in the playing XI till 2019 World Cup.

Agarkar felt that the presence of the veteran duo in the middle order, specially at the crucial No.4 and 5 positions during the just-concluded ICC Champions Trophy where India finished runners-up to Pakistan, strained the team's playing combination.

Also read: Kohli, Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar in team of ICC Champions Trophy

"I am not quite sure M.S. (Dhoni) and Yuvraj can both bat at 4 and 5," Agarkar was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.

"It is not because of the final (that I am saying this); it is almost putting too much pressure on the top three to get the bulk of the runs. Maybe Yuvraj is better off batting lower down at this stage than at No. 4, where he can go and bat freely," he added.

Questioning Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Agarkar said he has to answer that how long Yuvi and MSD will fit in at four and five.

"They have been Indian greats -- M.S. and Yuvraj -- but whether they fit in at four and five long term, or looking at 2019 World Cup, is something Virat Kohli will have to answer,” he said.

"Those are such key spots that you don't want to then put your team under pressure, or top order under pressure, and then pick a batsman at No. 6 for insurance. I am glad they have picked Rishabh Pant for the West Indies (tour)," he added.

Also read: Indian Cricket team schedule 2017-18 after Champions Trophy

It may be mentioned here that Rohit Sharma and Bumrah were replaced by young Rishabh Pant and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the Caribbean tour, where India will play five ODIs and a T20 International.