Shoaib Akhtar tears into India’s pace gamble after 76-run T20 World Cup drubbing

New Delhi: Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing assessment of India’s bowling strategy following their 76-run defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8, singling out all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube for failing to provide the bite needed at the death.

Speaking on Tapmad after the loss, Akhtar said the pair’s combined figures of 1 for 67 in six overs laid bare a glaring lack of pace and menace against a Proteas line-up that finished with 205 for 5. “Hardik and Shivam Dube were bowling at around 120 kmph. It’s not as if they are Malcolm Marshall — someone who would intimidate a batting line-up of South Africa’s calibre. If you deploy them in the death overs, such a counterattack from the Proteas is inevitable,” he argued.

The Rawalpindi Express insisted the tactic of entrusting the closing stages to medium-pace options backfired spectacularly, allowing South Africa’s hitters to accelerate unchecked. Beyond the Pandya-Dube axis, Akhtar contended that India’s entire attack appeared vulnerable, with even frontline bowlers struggling to stem the flow of runs.

He reserved particular criticism for mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, whose usual 97-98 kmph variations dipped to 94 kmph on the night. “When he came into the attack, he was hit for a no-look six by Dewald Brevis,” Akhtar noted, highlighting a moment that encapsulated India’s inability to exert control.

According to the 49-year-old, the absence of wrist-spin prodigy Kuldeep Yadav has left the attack predictable. “The missing link here is Kuldeep Yadav. He is someone who can deceive batters in the air and pick up wickets when needed. He is a proven match-winner,” Akhtar said, urging the management to reshuffle the XI.

He also observed that the presence of both Chakaravarthy and off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar offers similar skill sets, making India’s plans easier to decode for elite opponents. With the tournament entering its knockout phase, Akhtar’s verdict is clear: unless India rediscover wicket-taking variety and genuine pace threat, their campaign risks unravelling against the first heavyweight outfit they encounter.