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Former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Kamran Akmal delivers an honest verdict on Rohit Sharma’s innings at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. Kamran Akmal believes that Rohit answered all the critics after his stunning hundred at the iconic venue.
Rohit Sharma scored 138 runs off 110 balls, smashing 17 fours and 5 sixes in the innings, in the series decider. Though India lost the match by 27 runs, the innings ended speculation about the former India captain's future role with the national side.
"It was a statement innings"- Kamran Akmal praises Rohit Sharma's Lord's century
Akmal, while speaking on The Game Plan podcast, stated that despite England winning the series, the last match was all about Rohit Sharma and his century. He claimed that the former India skipper played a brilliant innings, reminding everyone of his stature as one of the world's best ODI batters.
"Overall, England deserved to win the series, but Rohit Sharma's century was the biggest story of the day. It was a statement innings from a player who reminded everyone why he is still one of the world's best ODI batters. There was so much speculation about his future."
"Rumours were being spread that he was no longer part of India's plans and wouldn't make it to the 2027 World Cup. Today, Rohit answered all of those questions with his bat," Akmal said on The Game Plan podcast.
"They leave when they feel the time is right"- Kamran Akmal on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement
Kamran Akmal also stated that it was a slap to all the selectors and the ones who wanted Rohit to step down and retire, as the great players like the 39-year-old responded. He also mentioned that Virat and Rohit will not leave if someone tries to push them out of the team, as they will leave when they feel the right time.
"Today's innings was his answer. There was talk that he should be moved aside, but performances like this show why great players should be judged by what they produce on the field. Players like Rohit and Virat don't leave because someone pushes them out."
"They leave when they feel the time is right. Both have sacrificed plenty for Indian cricket over the years. They have rested when required, put the team first and continued to perform. That's why they remain superstars," he stated.
Kamran Akmal criticises India for not playing Kuldeep Yadav
Kamran Akmal also lashed out at the Indian bowlers, as Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh went for plenty of runs, and also pointed out Gurnoor Brar’s poor performance, and also pointed out the fact of not playing Kuldeep Yadav, as he could have been the difference-maker in the side for his wicket-taking ability.
"Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh are experienced bowlers, but they both went for plenty. Gurnoor Brar conceded 97 runs. When your main bowlers are leaking 70 to 100 runs, it becomes very difficult to defend or restrict the opposition. India also missed Kuldeep Yadav."
"With only one frontline spinner, Axar Patel, they lacked variety. I thought Kuldeep should have played. His wicket-taking ability could have made a difference," he added.
"India's bowling lacked experience. They conceded more than 80 runs in the final five overs, and that proved decisive. Even though they fought hard with the bat, they were always chasing too much. India also looked a bit complacent."
