Fast Bowlers With Attacking Mindset Will Make Good Captains: Shoaib Akhtar

Updated - 23 Jan 2022, 11:39 AM

Shoaib Akhtar, Virat Kohli
Shoaib Akhtar (Image Credit: Twitter)

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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has once again spoken about fast bowlers being allowed to captain their respective national teams. The selection of Pat Cummins as Australia’s Test captain has sparked the debate once again and Akhtar is amongst the first ones to speak about it.

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Shoaib Akhtar is currently a part of the Legends League Cricket in Oman. He spoke to Indian Express on a range of issues from Virat Kohli stepping down from captaincy to India’s next Test skipper. In the same breath, he spoke about the possibility of fast bowlers becoming international captains.

Shoaib Akhtar, PSL
Shoaib Akhtar [Image Credits: Google]
“It is believed that batsmen are smarter than fast bowlers. However, it’s not the case. Both are good. Motivation is high in fast bowlers as they want to finish the match by taking wickets. Fast bowlers have an attacking mindset. I have always believed that batsmen have a defensive mindset. Pakistan and India started the practice of appointing fast bowlers as captains in 1980s and 90s. Kapil Dev was a fast bowler too.” said Akhtar.

On being asked as to why did Virat Kohli leave captaincy, Akhtar said that it was very evident and he does not need t say much about it.

“Everyone knows what is happening to him and who is doing it. I do not need to say anything. He captained for six-seven years. I was not in favor of his captaincy. I just wanted him to keep scoring hundreds. Let him just focus on his batting. Let him just score runs now” said Shoaib Akhtar on Virat Kohli’s captaincy debate.

Akhtar also revealed his choice as the next Indian Test captain. He backed Rohit Sharma to replace Kohli for the time being.

“I think Rohit Sharma would be the right choice for the time being. It’s good if he doesn’t succumb to this pressure.”

Meanwhile, all the three teams are on two points each in the Legends League Cricket. India Maharajas top the table courtesy of a better net run rate (+0.160).

Also Read: IND vs SA: South Africa Fined For Slow Over-Rate In The 2nd ODI In Paarl

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