Wasim Akram Blames Dhoni and Co's lack of energy for their abject surrender to Pakistan
Wasim Akram Blames Dhoniu00a0and Co's lack of energy for their abject surrender to Pakistan
Pakistan's pace bowling legend Wasim Akram has hit out at India's poor body language and lack of energy on the field during their Champions Trophy match against Pakistan at the SuperSport Park on Saturday.
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Pakingu00a0a punch: Pakistan's Shahid Afridi celebrates the wicket of India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the ICC Champions Trophy match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday. India lost by 54 runs. PIC/AFP |
"The Indian players were just going through the motions. How can you win an India-Pakistan match without showing extra zeal? The Indian team looked dead in the first half," Akram told MiD DAY yesterday.
"I was surprised by the body language of the Indian team. There was lack of planning. I don't know why Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not talk to his struggling bowlers on the field? Since the regular bowlers were not bowling well, India should have gone with five bowlers. The bowling attack lacked penetration."
On the batting front, the former left-arm pace bowler said the Indians were still heavily dependent on Sachin Tendulkar. "I am surprised that the team still depends so much on Sachin. If he fails, the team collapses."
The former Pakistan skipper was delighted that Younis Khan and Co took revenge for the humiliation they suffered at the hands of India in the 2003 World Cup. The bowling great was happy for rookie Mohammad Aamer, who idolises him. "He is going great guns. He got Sachin's wicket with a gem of a delivery. I am glad he's settling well."
Overall, Akram predicted Pakistan will have a successful tournament. "With Mohammad Yousuf's presence, the batting order looks solid and the way the bowlers are bowling, I think this Pakistan team should go a long way in this competition," he said.
Meanwhile, Dhoni said they will play with five bowlers against Australia in today's do-or-die game. It looks like RP Singh and Yusuf Pathan will be dropped from the team that played against Pakistan. Praveen Kumar might replace Virat Kohli while leggie Amit Mishra could come in place of Yusuf Pathan.
