India, Sept. 14 -- Veteran wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik has defended India's team management for opting to strengthen the batting line-up, even if it meant sacrificing a fast-bowling option in the playing XI. In their opening match of the Asia Cup, India decided to play only one frontline pacer - Jasprit Bumrah and partner with two fast-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav opted for a line-up featuring three all-rounders, with Axar Patel as the third option. This move extended the batting depth till No. 8, giving the side the cushion to adopt a fearless brand of cricket.

Meanwhile, the omission of Arshdeep Singh, India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is, dre...