Shoaib Akhtar Claims Imran Nazir Was More Talented Than Virender Sehwag
Published - 29 Apr 2020, 02:25 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:05 AM
Even as the sporting world has come to a screeching halt, Pakistan cricketers have found themselves in the news. The likes of Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Akhtar have all remained a part of on-field and off-field controversies. But Shoaib Akhtar has been one cricketer from Pakistan, who has repeatedly made some debatable statements. As per the latest news, the speedster made a controversial comment that Imran Nazir possessed more talent than Virender Sehwag.
Imran Nazir had an international career, spanned across eight Tests, 79 ODIs, and 25 T20Is. While his strike rate in limited-overs cricket was at a high, his average was mediocre. Imran’s explosive batting during the 2007 ICC World T20 was impressive, striking at 150 at the top order in seven games. The 38-year old played his final game in 2012.
On the other hand, Virender Sehwag needs little introduction. Not only he was known for giving whirlwind starts at the top, but he also ruled over Pakistan bowlers over multiple occasions. The Delhi batsman’s averages 34.55 and 91.14 in ODIs and Tests respectively against Pakistan. Sehwag also has enjoyed some intriguing duels against Akhtar himself.
As far as the Rawalpindi Express is concerned, Sehwag may have been wiser; however, not more talented than his fellow countryman. Furthermore, Shoaib Akhtar claimed that when Imran hit a destructive hundred against the men in blue, he advised the think-tank to play him consistently. Unfortunately, they didn’t cater to his advice.
“I don’t think Imran Nazir had the brain that Sehwag had. I don’t think Sehwag had the talent that Imran Nazir had. There is no comparison with regards to talent. We tried to contain him a little. When he hit a brutal hundred against India in a match, I asked them to play Imran Nazir consistently but they didn’t listen.” Shoaib Akhtar said as quoted by CricketPakistan.com.pk.
Shoaib Akhtar laments the misuse of Imran Nazir’s talent:
Alternatively, the 44-year old bemoaned the wastage of the skills of the right-handed batsman. He believes that the men in green could have had a better batsman than Sehwag if used intelligently and hailed the 38-year old’s fielding abilities too. Additionally, he admitted the presence of Javed Miandad whenever Imran Nazir got the chance. Shoaib Akhtar applauded Miandad, who kept him focussed when Nazir played a bad shot.
“It is unfortunate that we do not know how to take care of our brands. We could have had a player better than Virender Sehwag in Imran Nazir. He had all the shots while also being a good fielder. We could have utilised him brilliantly but we just couldn’t.”
“Whenever Imran Nazir played well, it was because of Javed Miandad. He would be in the dressing room and trying to get him to play. Whenever he played a bad shot Javed bhai would send him a message in order to keep him focused.” the 44-year old concluded.
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