RR vs KKR: Wasim Akram in awe of "underrated cricketer" Sandeep Sharma, salutes his death bowling skills
Published - 18 May 2024, 07:21 PM | Updated - 18 May 2024, 07:22 PM
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Former Pakistan captain, Wasim Akram in a recent conversation with Sportskeeda praised Sandeep Sharma and his death bowling skills for Rajasthan Royals. The Royals have qualified for the playoffs alongside KKR and SRH.
Despite qualifying for the playoffs, RR have had a tough going in their last four games. They lost their last four games on the bounce. Previously they won four games on the trot twice this season. Their only loss in between came against Gujarat Titans at home.
Sandeep Sharma has picked up 10 wickets from 8 games this season so far. He has been extensively used in the death overs by Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson and he has responded to his call more often than not.
Speaking exclusively on Sportskeeda's Match Ki Baat, Akram remembered the first time that he saw Sandeep Sharma and spoke about his progression over the years.
Also Read: RCB vs CSK Live Score and Updates: Royal Challengers Bangalore (Team News)
Sandeep Sharma Is An Underrated Cricketer- Wasim Akram
"He bowls brilliantly at the death, has a fine yorker and slower ball, and also swings the new ball. I saw him for the first time at the 2012 U19 World Cup where he swung the ball like a boomerang. He is an underrated cricketer" said Wasim Akram.
"I have spoken previously too about why someone who bowls in the final three overs needs to be a specialist. There are very few bowlers in the world who are in that skill set and Sandeep is one of them" he further added.
The former Pakistan captain further recalled his days in the IPL as a support staff and also as a commentator. He remembered how the young bowlers from India went up to him to learn the tricks of fast bowling.
"Yes when I was in the IPL and a commentator, these kids used to come and ask me questions. He used to ask me about swing and I just used to tell him to back his skills and focus on taking wickets. Now he has also developed the slower bouncer and the yorker outside off stump" he further added.
RR are currently placed second on the points table with 16 points. They play their last league game against KKR on Sunday in Guwahati. They need to win that match to stay in the top two. SRH and CSK are both capable of pipping them to the second spot as their NRR is better than that of the Royals. KKR are confirmed to finish in the top spot even if they lose their final match against RR.
After their fourth consecutive loss on the league stage, Sanju Samson spoke about reflecting back on the losses ahead of their next game and for the playoffs. Punjab Kings defeated the Royals by five wickets chasing 145 for victory.
"We have to sit back and accept that we are going through failures, have lost four games on the trot. Got to find out what's not working out for us as a team. Somebody needs to step up, we have so many match-winners in the team. This is the time we need to show character. We need to score more runs. Hopefully the result goes in our way (in the upcoming games." said Samson after the match.
