New Delhi, India
Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar lauded Team India after they beat defending champions England by 68 runs in the T20 World Cup semifinal, in Guyana, and booked a spot in the final (where they will meet South Africa on June 29 in Barbados). After Rohit Sharma-led India thrashed Jos Buttler-led England, Akhtar lauded Team India and revealed that he was 'hurt' when they lost the ODI World Cup 2023 final last year, to Australia. Further, he has backed them to win this time around for 'selfless' captain Rohit Sharma.
“I was always in favour of India winning the tournament. I was hurt last year when India could not win the World Cup as they should not have lost it because they deserved to win,” Akhtar said on his official YouTube channel.
“Rohit Sharma has repeatedly said he wants to make an impact and win the trophy and so, deserves to win the cup. He is a big player, and it should end on a big note. He is a selfless captain, plays for the team and is a complete batter,” Akhtar added.
Speaking about Rohit, the Indian captain has walked the talk in terms of leading from the front with an aggressive approach (putting the interest of the team without caring for personal milestones). Just like he gave India thundering starts in the ODI WC, Hitman has been doing the same in the ongoing T20 WC in the West Indies and the USA. In the semifinal, he smashed an impressive 39-ball 57 to take India to 171-7. In reply, England folded for 103 in 16.4 overs courtesy of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav sharing three wickets each.
Even in the Super 8 clash versus Australia, Rohit led the charge with an attacking 41-ball 92, laced with 8 sixes. Thus, he is India's highest run-getter in the 20-nation mega event, third overall, with 248 runs in eight games at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 155.97. Hence, his selfless and fearless approach has set the tone for India in every game. While fielding, he has marshalled the troops with aplomb and made wise moves at regular intervals.
Rohit-led India will lock horns with Aiden Markram-led Proteas in the T20 WC final on Saturday, with both teams being unbeaten so far. The Men in Blue will look to end their 11-year-long ICC title drought with a win in the mega finale in Barbados.