In the aftermath of a heart-wrenching loss at the Cricket World Cup finals, Pakistan cricket icon Wasim Akram pinpointed the lack of a “do-or-die” approach in KL Rahul’s batting as a significant factor in India’s defeat. The host nation, shaping its innings first, could only set a target of 240 runs, within which Rahul’s sluggish 66 from 107 deliveries stood out due to the absence of his trademark boundary shots.
The cricket legend, in conversation with Star Sports, remarked, “If I have to pick any particular reason, I suppose the middle order should have played with a ‘do or die’ mindset.” Akram expressed that while he grasped Rahul’s circumspect state of mind, concerned about exposing India’s tail-enders too early, this conservative strategy may have cost India dearly.
Wasim Akram also pointed to the absence of Hardik Pandya, whose dynamism and power-hitting ability were sorely missed in the final. “If possibly Hardik was in the team, he (Rahul) probably would take that risk. But, if he had taken a risk and gotten out in this situation, then people would have criticised him for that as well,” acknowledged the ‘Sultan of Swing’, shedding light on the dilemma faced by Rahul.
India’s failure to accelerate between the 20th and 40th overs was apparent, and according to Akram, keeping up the scoring rate in these middle overs could have pivoted the game’s direction. Even so, Akram praised Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, who finished behind Virat Kohli as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, for his consistent, aggressive batting. Despite getting out to Glenn Maxwell in the finals, Akram suggested Rohit should continue with his natural game which has proven successful so far.
The pace dominion of the Indian squad claimed just four Australian wickets in their defense at the Motera Stadium. The impressive performances from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj could not tip the scales in India’s favor. Akram questioned the decision to utilize Shami during the powerplay, potentially a strategic misstep from Sharma, with Siraj taking up the charge only post-powerplay.
Despite his commendable efforts throughout the World Cup, Akram didn’t shy away from scrutinizing Siraj’s lack of wickets. However, he highlighted that Siraj’s breakthroughs in the Asia Cup and his recent form merit acknowledgment of his potential as a future asset for Indian cricket.
With a fair assessment of the opposition, the cricket stalwart didn’t withhold praise for Australia’s batting but noted that psychological factors and the onset of dew at the Motera Stadium post the loss of the early wickets indeed eased batting conditions, affecting Indian bowlers’ morale. “I think in big games like the finals, teams should always stick to what they have been doing and what’s been working for them,” Akram concluded, emphasizing the importance of adherence to a team’s core strategies in crucial matches.
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Fans will undoubtedly reflect on Akram’s insights and consider how pivotal moments and strategic decisions might have altered the outcome of an enthralling final. As international cricket continually evolves, so too does the complexity of the game’s strategies and the relentless scrutiny from legends of yesteryears, fans, and pundits alike.