Pakistan legend Wasim Akram reserved massive praise on Team India throughout their campaign in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. After all, the men in blue showcased impeccable performance in the tournament, winning 10 matches on the trot. However, the hosts lost the plot in the final and succumbed to a 6-wicket win and let the Aussies win a record sixth world title. Following the defeat, Akram opined that India hit the panic button under pressure during the final in Ahmedabad.
Speaking with Sportskeeda, the former Pakistan captain said India should have stuck to the tried and tested formula of opening the bowling with Bumrah and Siraj, instead of handing the new ball to Shami.
“They panicked a bit. I understand that he [Shami] has dismissed many left-handers and has bowled brilliantly from round the wicket. Travis Head survived against him. You must have noted that Shami bowled a couple of wide balls. I feel Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start just because of his swing,” Akram was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.
The pace legend further highlighted that Shami was not prepared mentally to take the new ball since he had gotten used to bowling with a slightly older one.
“Psychologically, Shami knew that he comes first change, so the ball is controllable as it is a little old. Giving him the new ball in the World Cup final, out of the box thinking, I am all for it. But, Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start. If nothing had happened, Shami could have been brought on,” he added.
‘Travis Head changed the game’: Wasim Akram
Australia suffered a few hiccups in the chase of 240 before Travis Head stole the show with a match-winning century. Akram said that it was Head who changed the course of the game.
“Travis Head changed the game,” Akram said in praise of the Aussie opener.
“He took all the pressure away from Labuschagne, the way he batted. Both India and Australia knew that it was about one wicket,” he added.
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