India are off to a flying start in Cricket World Cup 2023, winning all of their first 5 matches of the campaign, beating some big teams like Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand. After the Indian team secured a 4-wicket victory against the Kiwis in Dharamsala on Sunday, Pakistan great Shoaib Akhtar made some bold comments, suggesting even the likes of Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, etc. are individually enough to get the better of the Kiwis in this World Cup.
It was Virat Kohli who led India’s run-chase, scoring 95 runs to take India home. Hailing the India superstar, Akhtar highlighted how pressure gets the best out of him.
“He is someone who thrives under pressure. Pressure brings opportunities for him. And opportunities are scoring a hundred, playing match-winning knocks and getting followed on Instagram, and why not! This guy deserves it,” Akhtar was said on his YouTube channel.
The Rawalpindi Express further made a few bold remarks saying players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, etc. would’ve been enough to tackle this New Zealand team.
“Shubman Gill is enough for this New Zealand team. Had Rohit Sharma not got out casually, he is enough. If KL Rahul goes up the order to 3 or 4, even he is enough. India’s batting lineup is very lengthy.”
“Everyone knows what Kohli did today, but Rahul also took the load. Suryakumar had also done so had he not got out,” he added.
Akhtar also hailed Mohammed Shami who was playing his first game of the tournament. Shami picked 5 wickets and was also named the player of the match.
“But in ensuring that New Zealand don’t score 300-350, Shami played a big role. He was a bit expensive, but it’s okay since he dismissed five batters. He has shown his talent and India need to persist with the same bowling attack. They have a complete batting and bowling lineup. There is no way that India should not be winning the World Cup,” Akhtar asserted.
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