New Delhi: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed India’s bowling attack after India’s humiliating 76-run loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8. He said the defeat exposed the fragility of India’s bowling unit, especially against a batting line-up as strong as the Proteas’.
Akhtar was particularly critical of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, who took just one wicket and conceded 67 runs in six overs. He believed they lacked speed and intimidation and that using them in death rounds was a tactical mistake.
“Hardik and Shivam Dube bowl at around 120 kmph. They are not a threat to South Africa’s batting line-up like Malcolm Marshall. If you deploy them in the death overs, a Proteas counterattack is inevitable,” he said on Tapmad.
He also noted that India’s bowling overall looked fragile, with the South African batsmen dominating even the team’s key bowlers.
Akhtar highlighted Varun Chakaravarthy’s costly spell, saying his usual pace was off and he was punished by the batsmen.
“Indian bowling has been exposed. If you look at Varun, his strength is bowling at 97-98 kilometers per hour and he scored 94. When he started the attack, he was bowled for a no-look six by Devalder Brewis,” he added.
Akhtar suggested that India should include Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, calling him the “missing link” who can deceive batsmen and take wickets at crucial moments. “The missing link here is Kuldeep Yadav. He can deceive batsmen in the air and pick up wickets when needed. He is a proven match-winner.”
He also feels that Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar offer similar skills to make India’s bowling attack predictable and easier to attack by the top teams.
