India’s cricket is in a good place: Wasim Akram

The Pakistani cricket fraternity showered praise on the Indian team for their incredible run to the final of the World Cup with the legendary Wasim Akram says their cricket “is in a good place” despite the loss to Australia in the title clash. Australia ended India’s run in the final with a six-wicket win to extend their dominance in the tournament. “Obviously they must be devastated to lose the final but in cricket these things happen. India had a bad day and unfortunately it came in the final,” Akram said.

“You look at their structure, the money for players, the well thought out programs and support talent and they really just need to keep doing those things. Their cricket is in a good place,” he added.

Akram said as a former player, he knows how mentally tough the Australians are in the knockout game.

“I was captain when we played them in the 1999 World Cup final and even though we had beaten them in the league stage, in the final they were a different side just like yesterday in Ahmedabad.” Some, like the former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latiffelt that the Indian team was in no way inferior to the Australians.

“Maybe it’s just a psychological thing with the Indian players. This team was worthy of winning the World Cup final but all credit to the Aussies for once again showing how mentally tough and organized they are in their sport,” Latif said .

Latif termed seamer Mohammad Shami’s bowling in the World Cup as excellent.

“You look at the way he’s come up and done so well. He was the standout player for India in this World Cup in my opinion.” Former Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq believed the Australians had read the pitch better than the Indians and the toss proved crucial.

“A batting side first required over 300 on this pitch to defend it,” he said.

Misbah also praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to lead by example throughout the tournament.

“I think the younger players must have learned a lot from these two in the dressing room and otherwise in this World Cup.” Former players Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal felt it was time for India to start focusing on building a T20 team for next year’s World Cup.

“…But it will be difficult for the Indian selectors not to consider Rohit, Virat or Jadeja for the series in South Africa or even the Champions Trophy in 2025,” Basit said.

Former batsman Mohsin Khan said Pakistan must learn from how India and Australia had adapted to the demands of modern cricket, especially in the World Cup.

“Instead of looking at India’s defeat, we have to appreciate the fact that this year they have already played in two ICC finals and lost both times to Australia. They are doing something right.”