Amid claims and conspiracy theories raising doubts over Team India’s resounding six-wicket win against South Africa at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground in Southampton on 5 June, an unlikely source came to Virat Kohli and company’s defence.
Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar, in his latest video on his YouTube channel, dismissed various theories suggesting Indians ‘manipulated playing conditions’ to gain an edge in their tournament opener, crediting the side’s capabilities for the win instead.
Countering claims that the BCCI’s lopsided financial hold over the ICC had allowed the Indian side to ‘alter’ the pitch – to suit its playing style and use its influence to get more wickets in its kitty – Akhtar said that Kohli’s men won the match against South Africa only because they played good cricket.
“India won because of their capabilities. You will have to agree that India was a better team than South Africa.”Shoaib Akhtar
Akhtar Explains His ‘Pro-India’ Stand
Akhtar said that he might have considered the ‘conspiracy claims’ of the BCCI using undue influence had India been hosting the World Cup. The former pacer added that groundsmen in England do not listen to even the English team.
“No matter what the English team tells them, they make the grounds as per their wish. There are few guidelines that they follow, but apart from it, they do not listen to any person or body.”Shoaib Akhtar
He further pointed out that India had not even won the toss, in the match in question, and that it was South Africa’s decision to bat first.
Akhtar said that South Africa could have scored somewhere between 275-280 runs had they played good cricket.
Akhtar Praises Bumrah, Chahal
Akhtar also praised the performances of Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal, attributing India’s victory in the match to the duo.
He also talked about how KL Rahul was being subjected to additional pressure to perform and justify his number-four selection.
Towards the end of the video, he also spoke about how Rahul needs to enjoy his game instead of trying to play under pressure to justify his position.
He also spoke about the unrealistic expectations from Indian skipper Kohli, adding he cannot be the saviour in every match.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)