India Have Shown A Big Heart In The Second Test: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistani speedster, Shoaib Akhtar didn’t mince any words while criticising the Indian team after the shameful batting collapse in Adelaide; he didn’t shy away from praising his neighbouring countrymen after their historic win in Melbourne as well.

India, under the stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, thrashed Australia comprehensively in the Boxing Day Test to level the series. The dominance showed by the visitors in Melbourne was scarcely expected the ’36 all-out’ fiasco in Adelaide just a week before the second Test.

Team India exhibited their talent and character in deep crisis: Shoaib Akhtar

Akhtar lauds the India team for their memorable bounceback to remain in the series. The Rawalpindi Express emphasizes on team India’s tough character as India not only have to perform on the field but have plenty to think about off the field as well.

Most of the players in the Indian team have been away from home for months since the IPL in the UAE; coming on the back of their lowest Test total; in Melbourne, India took the field without 4 of their first eleven players – Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma – and a fifth player, Umesh Yadav was injured in Australia’s second innings; India made as many as 4 changes- winning against such challenges has made Akhtar eulogise the strength and depth of the Indian side.

In his YouTube video, Shoaib Akhtar said, “India has basically stuffed Australia in a sack and thrashed them. Characters are not made in crisis, they are exhibited. Team India has exhibited their talent and character in deep crisis. They have shown a big heart.”

“Team India has shown its guts and the drive and hunger to succeed. Their aim was to move ahead. Normally, if you have been knocked over, it’s difficult to get up but that’s the pleasing aspect of this team. They got up,” praised Shoaib Akhtar.

The 45-year-old is also mightily impressed by the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane; his team selections, bowling changes, his Man of the Match performance with the bat. He opined that Rahane is a soft-spoken person but has let his cricket skills do the talking.

“Ajinkya led the team quietly. He made those bowling changes without trying to grab attention and now it’s the success that is making the right noises. There’s a saying that if you work hard quietly, your success is bound to make noises,” Shoaib Akhtar added.

Also Read: Watch: Rohit Sharma Gets A Warm Welcome As He Joins Team India In Melbourne