IND vs PAK: Shoaib Akhtar Blasts Rohit Sharma For Fielding First vs Pakistan

In a candid and critical video tweet, former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar didn’t hold back as he expressed his astonishment and skepticism regarding Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to win the toss and elect to bowl first against Pakistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Akhtar’s remarks opened up a spirited debate about the strategic choices made at the start of this high-stakes clash.

Shoaib Akhtar commenced his video by highlighting the key moment: Rohit Sharma winning the toss and opting to field. What perplexed Akhtar was India’s omission of a spinner from their playing XI, deciding to bowl all the more intriguing. His bewilderment was evident as he dissected the move.

The heart of Akhtar’s argument rested on the apparent quality of the pitch, which he believed was favorable for batting. He questioned why Rohit Sharma gave Pakistan the chance to set a target when the wicket seemed to be a paradise for batsmen. The former fast bowler expressed his satisfaction at Pakistan’s opportunity to make the most of what appeared to be an ideal batting surface.

Akhtar’s analysis gained weight as Pakistan’s batsmen swiftly got off to a flying start, hitting several boundaries. This only added to his contention that if the pitch was as flat and conducive to batting as it appeared, Sharma’s choice to field might not have been the wisest move.

Watch: Shoaib Akhtar Criticising Rohit Sharma Over Toss

Ahhh. That quietness on our boundaries. I remember this from the 90’s. pic.twitter.com/Sl4IBlz5Vl

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 14, 2023

He summed up his video tweet with a blunt statement: “In my opinion, it was a wrong decision to give Pakistan a chance to bat.” Akhtar left it to time and the unfolding match to determine whether his critique would prove accurate.

“Rohit Sharma won the toss, he did not play spinner and such a good wicket, I did not understand why he won the toss and gave batting to Pakistan. I am very happy that Pakistan has got the batting and Pakistan is off to a flyer now. I did not understand this decision and three fours have also been hit. If the wicket was so straight then winning the toss and giving Pakistan the bat. Was this a wise decision? I don’t think so.

“It is a very flat wicket, a very interesting wicket. I think they have given Pakistan a chance to score some big runs. Let’s see what happens now. In my opinion, it was a wrong decision to give Pakistan a chance to bat. Let’s see what happens next,” said Akhtar

In the end, the cricketing world eagerly awaited the unfolding drama on the field, eager to see whether Shoaib Akhtar’s analysis would prove correct or if Rohit Sharma’s strategy would lead India to a favorable result in this highly anticipated clash.