Akhtar Takes Aim at Hardik and Dube Over India’s Disappointing Performance
Former Pakistan pacer says bowling unit lacks pace and calls Kuldeep the “missing link”
New Delhi: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing assessment of India’s bowling attack following their 76-run loss to South Africa national cricket team in the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage.
Akhtar said the defeat exposed frailties in the bowling unit, particularly against strong batting sides. He singled out Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, who conceded 67 runs in six overs while claiming just one wicket.
“Not Malcolm Marshall”
Speaking on a digital platform, Akhtar criticised their pace and impact, arguing that deploying them during the death overs proved costly. “They were bowling around 120 kmph. It’s not as if they are Malcolm Marshall who could intimidate a batting line-up of that calibre,” he remarked, suggesting that such tactics made India vulnerable to a late assault.
He also pointed to the struggles of Varun Chakaravarthy, noting that the spinner appeared below his usual pace and was taken apart by the Proteas batters, including a powerful hit by Dewald Brevis.
Call for Changes
Akhtar recommended the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, describing him as a proven match-winner capable of deceiving batters in flight and delivering breakthroughs at key moments. He termed the left-arm wrist-spinner the “missing link” in the current combination.
The former pacer further observed that the similarities between Varun Chakaravarthy and Washington Sundar make India’s attack predictable, allowing top teams to line up their bowling more comfortably.
India’s heavy defeat has intensified scrutiny over team balance and bowling strategy as the tournament progresses.
