NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan skipper and iconic left-arm fast-bowler Wasim Akram has expressed his belief that India should have adhered to their successful opening bowling template instead of making changes in the final of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, where they ultimately faced defeat against Australia.
In the final clash on November 19, Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted to hand the new ball to Mohammed Shami instead of Mohammed Sirajin defence of 241 against Australia.Shami andJasprit Bumrah managed to take three wickets collectively, but Travis Head’s remarkable 137 and Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 58 guided Australia to victory.

“If you ask me, I found Siraj to be bowling really well throughout the World Cup, though his wickets column may not suggest that, but the breakthroughs he gave in the Asia Cup and his recent performances have established him as the future of Indian cricket,” Akram said.

The legendary fast-bowler emphasised the importance of sticking to what has been working for a team, especially in significant matches like the finals. Akram remarked, “In big games like the finals, teams should always stick to what they have been doing and what’s been working for them.”
Addressing the change in Rohit Sharma’s game-plan for the finals, Akram defended the Indian skipper’s aggressive style, stating, “He’s played like that the entire World Cup, that’s his game. Nobody complained throughout the World Cup with the starts he’s giving or that he was constantly getting out in the 40’s.”
Akram also suggested that if India had scored quickly in the middle overs with the bat, the outcome might have been different. He observed that the middle-order batsmen should have adopted a more aggressive approach, especially in the absence of big-hitter Hardik Pandya.
“If they had kept pace and scored quickly in the middle overs, then it would have been a different ball game,” concluded Akram, pointing out the crucial factor that might have influenced the match result.

(With inputs from IANS)