“It will be difficult to drop him now”: Wasim Akram on star Indian Player

In the lead-up to India’s crucial World Cup match against England, former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram has made a straightforward observation regarding Mohammed Shami’s performance. Shami recently took five wickets for India in their last World Cup game against New Zealand. Akram believes that Shami’s excellent performance has presented a challenging dilemma for the Indian team regarding their fast-bowling options.

Wasim Akram said

Akram expressed his viewpoint, stating, “It will be difficult to drop Shami now.” He emphasized that India should carefully consider the return of Hardik Pandya, who has been recovering from an ankle injury. Akram’s concern is that if Pandya is not completely fit, he might risk further injury during the match. Thus, he suggests that Pandya should be allowed to recover fully before returning to the playing XI.
“This squad looks good even without Pandya. If he is fit then well and good,” Akram told Sportskeeda.
“Credit to the team management that whenever any player in the squad comes into the XI, he seems ready. When Shami’s ball hits the seam, it can deviate either way,” he added.

The former Pakistan great praised Shami’s contribution, especially highlighting his ability to make the ball deviate in different directions. Akram emphasized that Shami’s experience and his performance in the game against New Zealand made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

“It is not easy to come into the World Cup and hit the ground running straight away. He (Shami) is a new ball bowler and sometimes while bowling first-change, you can get emotional and think ‘why didn’t i get the new ball?’ But he has the experience and he made the most of the opportunity that he got to win the game for his country,” said the Pakistan great.

India is scheduled to face England in their next match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 29.