Goa, Sept. 14 -- Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has questioned India's decision to field a near full-strength side in the opening match of their three-game series against Afghanistan, arguing that the contest offered an ideal opportunity to give younger and fringe players more exposure.

Akmal specifically questioned the decision to leave teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of India's playing XI for Sunday's match. He also wondered why experienced pacer Jasprit Bumrah was required to play a series that, in his view, could have been used to develop India's backup options.

Speaking on the Game Plan podcast, Akmal said India should have used the Afghanistan series to test their bench strength rather than relying heavil...