IND vs AUS: India Have Announced Their Arrival In The World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar

Heaping praise on Rohit Sharma‘s captaincy, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has said Team India could be the most dangerous side in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The former cricketer’s comments came after Rohit Sharma led Team India to a stunning 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final.

Team India have proved their World Cup credentials by delivering some stunning performances in the Asia Cup. Rohit Sharma had a full-strength side at his disposal for the first time in a long while, and he certainly made the most of it. In the final on Sunday (September 17), India bowled out home side Sri Lanka for just a paltry total of 50 runs in 15.2 overs.

Right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj was the star with the ball for India, taking a career-best 6 wickets for just 21 runs in 7 overs. Hardik Pandya picked up 3 wickets while Jasprit Bumrah took 1. In reply, India chased down the total in just 6.1 overs with Shubman Gill scoring 27 and Ishan Kishan scoring 23 runs.

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Shoaib Akhtar on India’s chances in the World Cup:

With India winning the Asia Cup 2023 in style, Shoaib Akhtar has said they would be the most dangerous team in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The former cricketer praised Rohit Sharm and the Indian team-management while admitting that he did not expect such domination from Team India.

“Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has improved. He and the team management have been making great decisions. I did not imagine India beating Sri Lanka in this manner.

“From here on, India could be the most dangerous side in the World Cup, but I am not writing anybody off because teams from the sub-continent are formidable,” Shoaib Akhtar was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.

Shoaib Akhtar also praised Siraj for his bowling performance as well as his heartwarming gesture for the ground staff. After being adjudged the Man of the Match, Siraj gave away his prize money to the groundstaff, who worked really hard throughout the competition.

“Good job Siraj, you helped India win. And you did a great job by giving away your prize money to the groundstaff,” he stated.

“India will be going into the World Cup after boosting their confidence. India started as underdogs, but now I feel that it is not only a worry for Pakistan, but a worry for many other countries. India have announced their arrival in the World Cup because they have all the boxes ticked,” Shoaib Akhtar added.

Before launching their World Cup campaign next month, Team India will take on Australia in a three-match ODI series from September 22.