Cricket

Wasim Akram Warns Sunrisers Hyderabad of Kolkata Knight Riders' Formidable Bowling AttackLegendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has issued a stern warning to Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of their highly anticipated IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Akram, who has previously coached KKR, highlighted the team's exceptional bowling attack as a major threat to SRH's title aspirations.KKR finished the league stage at the summit of the standings with an impressive net run rate of 1.428, showcasing their dominance in both batting and bowling. In their league encounter this season, KKR emerged victorious over SRH with a tense 4-run win at Eden Gardens.Akram praised KKR's bowling attack for its collective effort throughout the season, emphasizing their ability to consistently take wickets. "This [bowling] is one of the main factors [behind KKR finishing on top of the points table]. There are wicket-taking bowlers. The teams that will take wickets will win the matches," Akram told Sportskeeda.He highlighted the contributions of Varun Chakaravarthy (18 wickets), Harshit Rana (16 wickets), and all-rounders Andre Russell and Sunil Narine (15 wickets each), along with Mitchell Starc, who has 12 wickets. "Starc single-handedly won them a game as well. They are going in the final as a calm, confident, and very dangerous side for sure," Akram added.Akram also noted the team's controlled aggression as a key factor. "Almost everyone performed; they played Manish Pandey in one game and he also delivered. So, that shows that everybody is happy and confident. They have aggression, but they have controlled aggression. They are not cocky or overconfident," he added.However, Akram did highlight a potential challenge for KKR with the absence of Phil Salt, who has returned home for national team commitments. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to replace him in the playoffs. "No doubt, Phil Salt's absence will affect them," Akram remarked.

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a rising star in Indian cricket, has found himself under fire for his inconsistent performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Despite high expectations, the young opener has failed to deliver consistently for the Delhi Capitals, raising concerns about his form and focus.In eight matches so far, Shaw has managed only 198 runs at a strike rate of 163.63. His scores have fluctuated wildly, with a few cameos interspersed with low scores. This inconsistency has led to criticism from fans and experts alike.Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has weighed in on Shaw's struggles, advising the Indian youngster to return to basics and play first-class cricket. "He has to go back to basics, play first-class cricket and score big," Akram said. "Focus on cricket, not parties."Akram emphasized the importance of Shaw playing regularly and taking care of himself off the field. "He has to play regularly, and look at himself off the field," he said. "Do as many parties as you want after you retire, who cares. But now, focus on cricket."Shaw's last appearance for Team India was in 2021 during the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. His inconsistent performances in the IPL have raised questions about his future with the national team.If Shaw is to regain his place in the Indian team, he will need to rediscover his form and prove that he can be a consistent performer at the highest level. This will require him to work hard on his game and make some sacrifices off the field.

Legendary Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma will not be part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Akram's comments come amidst Rohit's recent struggles with form and his removal as MI captain.Akram suggested that Rohit could join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) next season, where he would benefit from the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir and the strong batting lineup at Eden Gardens. He praised Rohit's exceptional batting skills and believes he would be a valuable asset to KKR.Rohit's sudden dip in form has been a major talking point in the current IPL season. After scoring a century against Chennai Super Kings in April, he has consistently fallen into single-digit scores in subsequent matches. This has raised concerns about his ability to lead the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup.Last week, Rohit reflected on his recent experiences, including losing the MI captaincy to Hardik Pandya and being named Pandya's deputy for the T20 World Cup. He acknowledged that not everything goes one's way and expressed gratitude for the experience.Akram's comments add to the speculation surrounding Rohit's future with MI. The five-time IPL-winning captain has been a key figure for the franchise, but his recent struggles and the team's overall performance have raised questions about his role.If Rohit does leave MI, it would mark a significant change for the franchise. He has been an integral part of their success over the years, and his departure would leave a big void in their batting lineup.

Wasim Akram Weighs In on Kohli-Gavaskar Spat, Emphasizes Mutual RespectFormer Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has expressed his views on the recent verbal altercation between Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar during IPL 2024, highlighting the importance of mutual respect despite differences in opinion.Akram, known for his astute analysis, acknowledged the stature of both Kohli and Gavaskar in the cricketing world, describing them as "greats" and "proud Indians" with immense contributions to the sport. He emphasized that both individuals are highly respected figures in the cricketing fraternity.Reflecting on the contentious exchange, Akram stated, "Both are greats. Sunny bhai, as a cricketer, as a human being, I know him off the field. As a commentator, he has been doing it for God knows how many years. And coming to the great man, Virat Kohli, he is a top player, a modern great. In fact, he is an all-time great in history, given the kind of performances he has had. But I think Virat shouldn't have said it."Akram's comments shed light on the delicate balance between player critique and respect for commentators' roles in shaping public discourse around the game. He underscored that commentators, like Gavaskar, are integral to the cricketing ecosystem, offering valuable insights and analysis derived from years of experience in the sport."It is the commentators' job. If he got slow in a couple of matches and he [Gavaskar] said something, forget about it. Virat is not that kind of a person. Both are proud Indians; both are greats. It's OK; they both will move on pretty quickly. Don't think either will take it personally. They will be fine, I know. I am telling you now. I know them both very well," Akram reassured, emphasizing his confidence in the resilience and maturity of both individuals to overcome this disagreement.Akram's intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and understanding within the cricketing community. While differences in opinion may arise, it is crucial to maintain a level of decorum and respect for the contributions and perspectives of others.

Virat Kohli's strike rate in T20 cricket has been a topic of intense debate among fans and experts alike. Despite being selected for India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, Kohli's slow scoring pace has drawn criticism from some quarters.Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has been particularly vocal in his criticism, questioning Kohli's intent and suggesting that his poor strike rate is hindering India's chances of success in T20 cricket. However, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram has defended Kohli, arguing that the criticism is unwarranted.Akram believes that Kohli's strike rate is not a major concern, as long as he is scoring runs and contributing to his team's victories. He pointed out that Kohli has been crucial to Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) success this season, despite his relatively low strike rate."If the guy is scoring 100 at 150 strike rate, isn't it fine?" Akram said. "If the team had won, there wouldn't have been criticism."Akram also criticized the notion that Kohli is not playing with enough intent. He argued that Kohli is under immense pressure as both a player and a captain, and that he is doing the best he can in a difficult situation."He is scoring, but one player cannot win the match," Akram said. "Criticising him unnecessarily... it's not fair."Akram also questioned the role of an "anchor" in T20 cricket, suggesting that the concept is outdated in the modern game. He pointed to the high scores being posted in this year's IPL as evidence that teams are now expected to score quickly from the outset."If you look at this IPL, it feels like it's over," Akram said. "The way teams are scoring 270s, it looks like it. People are calling an anchor slow even when the strike rate is 150."

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, renowned for his exceptional bowling prowess, recently reminisced about his time as the bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2010 to 2016. During a recent interaction, Akram shared a memorable anecdote involving a young Sanju Samson, who was then a shy 16-year-old.Akram recalled that due to a shortage of bowlers in the camp, he had the opportunity to bowl in the nets. As Samson came to bat, Akram noticed his quiet demeanor and impressive wicketkeeping skills. However, it was Samson's batting that caught Akram's attention.Akram began by testing Samson with a couple of outswingers, but the youngster remained unfazed. Determined to make an impact, Akram unleashed an inswinging delivery that rattled Samson's stumps. Akram couldn't resist giving Samson a playful send-off, recognizing his potential as a future star."At that time, he did not get a chance, but I felt that he had the potential to become a good player in the future," Akram said. "He was silent. He was a young kid. When big names are around you, you tend to come under pressure. I was with him for a short time only, but I got that feeling that he can become a good player."Samson's journey since then has been remarkable. He has emerged as a key player for Rajasthan Royals, leading the franchise to the top of the table in the ongoing IPL season. Akram's early assessment of Samson's talent has proven to be accurate, as the youngster has blossomed into a formidable batsman.

West Indies Stars Narine and Russell's Bizarre IPL Schedule: Staying Up All Night, Sleeping During the DayFormer Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has shed light on the unusual sleep patterns of West Indies cricketers Sunil Narine and Andre Russell during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Akram, who coached Narine and Russell at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), revealed that the duo adheres to a nocturnal schedule while in India."When I was with KKR, I would wake up early for breakfast. Sunil Narine came for breakfast with swollen eyes. I asked him, 'Hey mate! What's happening?'" Akram recalled. "He said, 'I haven't slept.' I said, 'What do you mean you haven't slept?' He said, 'I am on West Indies time.'"Narine explained that he stays up all night and sleeps during the day in India, a practice that Russell also follows. This peculiar schedule stems from the significant time difference between India and the West Indies, which is 9 hours and 30 minutes.Despite their unconventional sleep habits, Narine and Russell have been instrumental in KKR's success. Narine has been a key contributor with both bat and ball, opening the batting and scoring 286 runs in the first seven matches. He has also taken nine wickets.Russell, on the other hand, has scored 155 runs and taken nine wickets in seven games. His explosive batting and all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset for KKR.Akram's revelation highlights the unique challenges faced by international cricketers who travel to different time zones for tournaments. While some players may struggle to adjust to the time difference, others, like Narine and Russell, have found ways to adapt and maintain their performance levels.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed an unprecedented surge in high-scoring matches, with teams consistently breaching the 265-run mark. This phenomenon has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the changing dynamics of T20 cricket.SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has emerged as the frontrunner in this scoring spree. They have already registered three scores of 265 or more, including a record-breaking 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In their match against Delhi Capitals, SRH set a new world record by scoring 125 runs in just six overs, reaching the 100-run mark in a mere five overs.Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram expressed his astonishment at these high scores. "Scoring 100 in five overs is illegal," he remarked. "Even if you bowl full toss, that can't happen. You are paying the bowlers to get hit."Akram also praised SRH's formidable batting lineup, led by Australian Travis Head and South African Heinrich Klaasen. "There is no more fearsome batting unit than SRH's in any league," he said. "They have a great balance of power hitters and finishers."The high scores have also raised concerns about the impact on bowlers. "I do feel for the bowlers in this format," Akram said. "They have to think outside the box. Scoring 100 in five overs is unreal."Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting echoed Akram's sentiments. "It's like scoring 500 in a 50-over game," he said. "Thank God I am not bowling. It shows how cricket has changed."The IPL 2024 has highlighted the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where boundaries are becoming less significant and hitting prowess is at a premium. Teams are constantly pushing the limits of scoring, and it remains to be seen how bowlers will adapt to this new era of high-octane batting.

Hardik Pandya's struggles as captain of the Mumbai Indians have raised concerns about his mental well-being, according to former India star Robin Uthappa. Uthappa believes that the constant criticism and mockery Pandya has faced has taken a toll on his mental health."The mocking, trolling, the memes about his fitness. You don't think it hurts him? It hurts him. It hurts any human being. How many people actually know the reality of it? Hardik is dealing with mental health issues, for sure," Uthappa said on the Ranveer Show.Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram also expressed concern about Pandya's situation. Akram believes that the relentless criticism Pandya has faced in India is a problem that needs to be addressed."This is the problem in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. We never forget. We tell our kids that when Pandya's kid is born, you have to remind him why he became captain 20 years ago. We don't move on," Akram said on Sportskeeda.Akram urged fans to be more supportive of Pandya, who he believes is still capable of leading Mumbai Indians to success."I think fans need to be a little calm. At the end of the day, he is your player. He plays for Mumbai Indians, and he is the one who can make you win. They still can qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. There is no point booing your own player. You can criticize a little bit, but move on," Akram said.Regarding the captaincy change in Mumbai Indians, Akram said: "In franchise cricket, such things happen. Look at how CSK took the captaincy decision for the long run, and maybe, even they (MI) had the same idea. This was not a personal decision, but in my view, Rohit Sharma should have continued as captain for one more year. Perhaps, next year, Hardik Pandya could have been the captain."