Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram claimed that the Indian cricket team is stronger even without the services of all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Akram's comments came after Mohammad Shami's outstanding performance during Team India’s four-wicket win against New Zealand in their recent match at the Cricket World Cup 2023.
Despite being benched for the first four games of the tournament, Shami made a spectacular impact in Dharamshala, as he picked up his record second five-wicket haul in World Cup cricket to contribute to India’s massive win.
Meanwhile, Akram stressed that India's strength remains intact even in the absence of Hardik Pandya, and dropping Shami from the playing XI would be a tough decision, especially after his stunning performance against New Zealand.
Read Also: CWC 2023: Ramiz Raja hails "match-winner" Mohammad Shami for his incredible show vs. New Zealand
The legendary fast bowler also advised that India should prioritize Hardik's full recovery, suggesting not risking him in their next CWC 2023 match against England. He is currently recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained during the match against Bangladesh.
Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda: “This squad looks good even without Pandya. If he is fit then well and good. It will be difficult to drop Shami now. I feel India shouldn't risk Pandya (against England) because if it's an injury to a hamstring or quad, then although you feel good initially, you could pull a muscle in the match. So let him recover 100 percent and then you can play him.”
Akram signed off by saying, “Credit to the team management that whenever any player in the squad comes into the XI, he seems ready. When Shami's ball hits the seam, it can deviate either way. That's why I think Shami for me was the player of the match.”
