IND vs PAK: "If India doesn't win the the World Cup this time, then"- Kamran Akmal warns Rohit Sharma

Kamran Akmal believes that if Rohit Sharma's team India doesn't win the ICC T20 World Cup this month, then they will squander a great opportunity.

The former Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman said this ahead of India and Pakistan's 8th meeting at the ICC T20 World Cups later tonight in New York. A new chapter will be added to this famous rivalry, which is going to get underway in the United States of America for the first time ever.

Rohit Sharma will be captaining team India against their bitter rivals for the 3rd time in an ICC competition. Both teams are in a different situation at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. While Rohit Sharma and co. grabbed all 2 points in their opening game, Babar Azam's men are coming on the back of a humiliating Super Over loss to USA.

Pakistan are in dire need of two points to stay alive for Super 8 qualifications. In case of a loss, Babar and co. will get into a tricky situation as their qualification to the next round will depend on other results. Ahead of tonight's clash, Kamran Akmal, who won the 2009 T20 World Cup under Shahid Afridi's captaincy, shed light on India's title-winning chances.

What did Kamran Akmal say?

Kamran Akmal was in a conversation with Times of India recently and therein he was asked if Rohit Sharma can emulate MS Dhoni's feat from the 2007 T20 WC. If the Indian team wins the tournament this year, then Rohit will become just the second Indian captain to put his hands on the ravishing silver trophy.

In his response to the query, Kamral Akmal stated that India have all the makings to end their international trophy drought. He feels that the Men in Blue, due to the form of their players, are firm favorites just like they are in every ICC competition. Akmal also had high praise for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for making some bold decisions while choosing the 15-man squad.

"Considering India's form and the form of players in every format of the game, India are favorites. The selectors have chosen a strong team this time. It was a tough decision to drop KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, but the selectors picked others ahead of them. I support this decision." - Akmal told the Times of IndIa.

Akmal believes India are in a now-or-never situation

Kamran Akmal went on to add that India are in a now-or-never situation in terms of winning the competition. The former wicketkeeper believes the team has got form, talent, experience, and everything they need to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Akmal's comments underlined the fact that Team India will not get a squad like this again and therefore, they must go all in.

"The Indian selectors preferred form over statistics. I also give credit to Rohit for this. He has built this team. India looks very strong. If India doesn't win the World Cup this time, then it will be very difficult for them in the future. They have talent, experience, and form. They have a big chance." - Kamran Akmal concluded.