Will Pakistan drop out-of-form Amir against India?

India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup, Just by reputation, it is immensely difficult to imagine a Pakistan ODI side without Mohammad Amir. But taking recent form and numbers into consideration, it is not that difficult after all. Though not even half his stature, Mohammad Amir has thrown Pakistan into a dilemma similar to what India is facing with former captain MS Dhoni.

Just by reputation, it is immensely difficult to imagine a Pakistan ODI side without Mohammad Amir. But taking recent form and numbers into consideration, it is not that difficult after all. Though not even half his stature, Mohammad Amir has thrown Pakistan into a dilemma similar to what India is facing with former captain MS Dhoni.

While understandably so, India have decided to go carry on with Dhoni, weighing his overall contribution more than his drought of runs, the pressure on Pakistan, however, is increasing day by day.

Amir went wicket-less in his last three ODI appearances, two of them were against Zimbabwe, who were without their top players and the latest was a couple of nights ago against minnows Hong Kong. Amir has been far away from the wickets column lately. His last three-wicket haul came in a T20 match against Zimbabwe in the tri-series, other than that he’s pretty much been a bowler whom the opposition is ready to play out quietly rather than risk losing wickets. That’s where the problem lies for Pakistan.

It is pretty much expected that the opposition will be watchful against a bowler of Amir’s calibre, particularly with two new balls at his disposal. What has been worrisome for Pakistan is the left-armer’s inability to force the batsmen into a false shot.

Ahead of the all-important clash against India, the Pakistan team management has a difficult call to make – whether to pick Amir on reputation or to unleash the raw talent of Shaheen Afridi.

"I am concerned but I don't think wickets itself are a reflection of performance. I have spoken to him (Aamir) and told him that he is our strike bowler and has to pick wickets too,” Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed told reporters on the eve of the India-Pakistan encounter.

The Pakistan captain also cited India’s Mohammed Shami’s example to defend his star fast bowler. “Take for example, India pacer (Mohammad) Shami's case in England. He bowled well but couldn't get wickets,” Sarfraz added.

It’s not like Pakistan are in dearth of left-arm bowlers. In fact, they have as many as four fast bowlers who take the ball away from the right-hander with a natural angle. While it is unlikely that Pakistan would risk not playing Amir against India, who have six right-handers in their top seven, Amir’s form will surely be a concern for Pakistan going deep into the tournament.