World Cup 2023: They panicked a bit – Wasim Akram on Rohit Sharma giving new ball to Mohammed Shami

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram feels India panicked a bit in the all-important final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday. After posting a below-par score of 240 runs on the board, India opened their bowling innings with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Mohammed Siraj was given the new ball in the 10 matches of the tournament but Rohit went with in-form Shami in the all-important final as India had fallen short of a par score.

Shami did get the big wicket of in-form David Warner but he leaked 47 runs in the seven overs he bowled. Furthermore, Mohammed Siraj also could not create any pressure in the middle overs as he returned with figures of 7-0-45-1.

“They panicked a bit. I understand that he [Shami] has dismissed many left-handers and has bowled brilliantly from round the wicket. Travis Head survived against him. You must have noted that Shami bowled a couple of wide balls. I feel Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start just because of his swing,” Akram commented on Sportskeeda.

The legendary fast bowler feels Rohit should have gone to Mohammed Shami as the first-change if Mohammed Siraj had not been effective in the first couple of overs.

“Psychologically, Shami knew that he comes first change, so the ball is controllable as it is a little old. Giving him the new ball in the World Cup final, out of the box thinking, I am all for it. But, Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start. If nothing had happened, Shami could have been brought on,” the 57-year-old added.

On the other hand, Australian opener Travis Head scored a fine knock of 137 runs in the run-chase as he played with an aggressive approach. Akram reckons Head was the game-changer in the second innings.

“Travis Head changed the game,” Akram said in praise of the Aussie opener. “He took all the pressure away from Labuschagne, the way he batted. Both India and Australia knew that it was about one wicket,” he elaborated.

Moreover, Head also took a fine catch while running back to dismiss Rohit Sharma and Akram feels it was a big moment in the game as the Indian skipper was looking dangerous after scoring 31-ball 47.

“For me, that [Rohit’s catch] was the game changer. If Rohit had batted for another 10 overs, India would have been 150 after 20 overs. The game would have been done and dusted.”

India will now take on Australia in the five-match T20I series, starting Thursday.