Wasim Akram Gave A Reality Check To Rohit Sharma And Rahul Dravid Ahead Of World Cup 2023-TGN

Wasim Akram Gave A Reality Check To Rohit Sharma And Rahul Dravid Ahead Of World Cup 2023: The much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023 is just around the corner and the Indian cricket team will try its best to end its 10-year-long ICC trophy drought. Yes, it was in 2013 when the Indian cricket team last won an ICC trophy – Champions Trophy 2013 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, and ever since then, the Men in Blue are struggling to get their hands on the prestigious trophy.

India played some awe-inspiring cricket in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, but defeats in the semifinals of both editions ended their campaign on a disappointing note. This time around though, captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid will try their best to erase the painful memories of the past and lead team India to a new high.

Wasim Akram Gave A Reality Check To Team India

While playing at home is a big advantage for team India, but Wasim Akram has warned them to be prepared for pressure. India’s clash against Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium is one of the most-anticipated World Cup matches of the upcoming tournament.

Though Wasim Akram feels that team India has the firepower in their bowling line-up to match Pakistan’s star-studded bowling line-up, but he also pointed out the cons that come with being the host nation. Speaking on Radio Haanji, Akram said:

“Of course… India have Mohammed Shami, who is very impressive and is bowling like a dream, but Bumrah needs to remain fit. I don’t know what his situation is in terms of fitness but if he is fine, it will make a huge different. Besides, they have really good spinners and all-rounders – Jadeja, Ashwin – let’s see who plays. There have been some really good players coming from India but there are certain disadvantages of home ground. In 2011, India won but there is always an extra added pressure. Same with Pakistan. If they were the hosts, the pressure would be on them. Vice-versa,” 

Furthermore, Akram also pointed out how venues should be the least of their concerns. Sharing his thoughts on the drama surrounding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request for a change of venue for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Akram said:

“See, I said this earlier as well. If I am asked to play on a certain date and at a certain venue, I have to play. Be it Ahmedabad, or Chennai, or Kolkata, or Mumbai… this does not affect players. So just play and don’t worry about it,”