Criticism on Indian team is fully justified, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wasim-Akram-c96292 - Cricket News Update
Irked by India’s run of offshore Test defeats, former Pakistani skipper Wasim Akram reckons the criticism embroiling http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028 and his men is completely justified and asked the Indian selectors to take some brave decisions following the down under
itinerary.
"The criticism on the Indian team is fully justified,” the legendary http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 pacer wrote in his column for a sports website. “Dhoni is talking about phasing out the senior players and that's exactly how the entire world feels.
“The onus is now on the Indian selectors, who have to take some brave decisions. Dravid, Laxman and Tendulkar have been legends but past laurels don't win you matches. You need to accept reality and move on," he added further.
The experienced Indian batting line up failed to counter the callow Australian attack in the ongoing four-match Test series which the tourists trail 0-3 with the fourth and final Test starting on January 24 at the Adelaide Oval.
Akram said that the cricketers nearing 40 should make way for fresh blood for the betterment of the team, as well as to preserve their past laurels. Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman are all near the age of 40 and looked out of sorts in the hot and humid conditions
at WACA, Perth last week, observed the “Sultan of Swing”.
The 45-year-old former Pakistan skipper, who played 104 Tests for Pakistan and led the side on 25 occasions in the longest format of the game, said that the innings defeats at Sydney and Perth should be eye-openers for the Indian team management as well
the BCCI selectors.
He further added that India’s recent offshore capitulation is a sub-continental shame insisting that the tea, that was recently numero uno Test side in the world cannot afford to be kings at home only.
Akram also took a dig at the Indian team management asking the BCCI officials to review http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Frederick-Sykes-c65697 Simmons’ contracts.
"While I expect the BCCI to review Duncan Fletcher after at least 12 months in the hotseat, Eric Simmons needs to work hard on the ethics of the young bowlers," Akram added.
The fourth and final Test starting at Adelaide Oval next week, would be India’s last chance to regain some pride before going into the one-day leg of the tour.
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