Pakistan a soft target, India should show aggression against bigger teams: Manjrekar

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the Indian U-19 team's aggressive celebrations after its last-ball victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, calling the rivals a 'soft and easy target'. He urged the youngsters to show the same aggression against stronger teams like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England.India should show aggression against bigger teams: Sanjay Manjrekar. Courtesy: BCCI/Sanjay Manjrekar InstagramNew Delhi,Nov 15, 2026 20:26 ISTFormer India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned the aggressive celebrations of the Indian U-19 team following its dramatic one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, suggesting that the youngsters should direct their aggression towards stronger opponents.India pulled off a remarkable last-ball victory to reclaim the Under-19 Asia Cup title in Oman on Saturday, November 14. However, the celebrations following the triumph did not go down well with Manjrekar, who took to social media to share his views.Describing Pakistan as a 'soft and easy target', the former India batter suggested that the Indian team should show the same aggression against Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England."Indian cricket should now pick guys of their own size if they want to show 'aggression' on the field. Pak is now a soft & easy target. I suggest Aus, SA, NZ & Eng" Manjrekar posted on X. His remarks came after India produced a remarkable fightback to chase down Pakistan's imposing total of 337 for nine, sealing the contest with one wicket and one ball to spare.MOHIT ULVA LEADS INDIA'S REMARKABLE COMEBACKIndia's chase was far from straightforward, with Pakistan appearing to have the contest under control after reducing the defending champions to 252 for eight in the 42nd over. Earlier, captain Lakshya Raichandani scored 80 off 101 balls, while Aaryavir Sehwag contributed 58 as the opening pair added 95 runs. However, a flurry of wickets left India needing a special effort from the lower order.Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva provided exactly that, stitching together a crucial 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Manal scored 47 off just 32 deliveries before departing with India still needing 36 runs and only one wicket remaining.Mohit then found an able partner in No. 11 Chigurupati Venkata, who remained unbeaten on 11 off eight balls. With eight runs required in the final over, the equation came down to three runs from the last delivery.Facing leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain, Mohit smashed the final ball towards wide long-off for a boundary, triggering wild celebrations in the Indian camp. He remained unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls to complete one of the most memorable finishes of the tournament.India finished on 339 for nine to lift the title, but the celebrations that followed became the subject of Manjrekar's pointed criticism.- Ends