India's South Africa tour ill-timed, says Wasim
New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels that India's tour to South Africa is ill-times just before the World Cup and players have a chance to pick up injuries.
"I have been keenly following Indian cricket for a while and I can safely say that they are playing too much cricket. According to me the timing of the South African tour, starting December 16, is not good at all," said Wasim, a fastbowling legend.
He said, "I will beg to differ with Imran Khan's views on India's upcoming tour of South Africa. Imran has said a tough tour of South Africa ahead of the World Cup will stand India in good stead. Not really."
"Making a balanced cricketing calendar has been a problem with the Indian Board in the last five-six years. There is a serious overkill. India play too many matches round the year and no wonder their fast bowlers are getting injured far too often," Wasim was quoted as saying by ESPNStar.com.
"No matter how good the players' form is, the South Africa series will end just a couple of weeks before the World Cup and that is little too close. Although, they may not be tired physically because it's their job to play cricket but it will certainly take a mental toll on Indian cricketers. Any series that involved three Tests, one T20 and five ODIs is quite tiring and there is a great risk of injuries," he added.
Wasim feels that as far as India's hunt for the fourth and fifth bowler goes, Ishant Sharma is the one for the job.
"I will always want to invest on a player who is going to be around for a long while. And according to me, Ishant is only 22 and very eager to perform. Ishant has had a lean patch but is back in contention. The Indian think-tank should back him to the hilt. He is tall, has a high-arm action and is hard-working and hence should be given the adequate support. Given the conditions in South Africa, he should thrive there," he said.
He also said that India are favourites to win the World cup.
"I want to reiterate the fact that Dhoni's boys will certainly be rated very highly on present form and in favourable conditions as well. India have gelled together as a unit and are looking to be the most confident team. In the last three World Cups, Australia were the clear favourites and it is after a long time that they are not being counted in the title race. The 5-0 whitewash against New Zealand has once again proved India's might in world cricket. The win does not say that New Zealand were a weak side but the result clearly indicates India have a strong bench strength," he said.
New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels that India's tour to South Africa is ill-times just before the World Cup and players have a chance to pick up injuries. "I have been keenly following Indian cricket for a while and I can safely say that they are playing too much cricket....
New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels that India's tour to South Africa is ill-times just before the World Cup and players have a chance to pick up injuries.
"I have been keenly following Indian cricket for a while and I can safely say that they are playing too much cricket. According to me the timing of the South African tour, starting December 16, is not good at all," said Wasim, a fastbowling legend.
He said, "I will beg to differ with Imran Khan's views on India's upcoming tour of South Africa. Imran has said a tough tour of South Africa ahead of the World Cup will stand India in good stead. Not really."
"Making a balanced cricketing calendar has been a problem with the Indian Board in the last five-six years. There is a serious overkill. India play too many matches round the year and no wonder their fast bowlers are getting injured far too often," Wasim was quoted as saying by ESPNStar.com.
"No matter how good the players' form is, the South Africa series will end just a couple of weeks before the World Cup and that is little too close. Although, they may not be tired physically because it's their job to play cricket but it will certainly take a mental toll on Indian cricketers. Any series that involved three Tests, one T20 and five ODIs is quite tiring and there is a great risk of injuries," he added.
Wasim feels that as far as India's hunt for the fourth and fifth bowler goes, Ishant Sharma is the one for the job.
"I will always want to invest on a player who is going to be around for a long while. And according to me, Ishant is only 22 and very eager to perform. Ishant has had a lean patch but is back in contention. The Indian think-tank should back him to the hilt. He is tall, has a high-arm action and is hard-working and hence should be given the adequate support. Given the conditions in South Africa, he should thrive there," he said.
He also said that India are favourites to win the World cup.
"I want to reiterate the fact that Dhoni's boys will certainly be rated very highly on present form and in favourable conditions as well. India have gelled together as a unit and are looking to be the most confident team. In the last three World Cups, Australia were the clear favourites and it is after a long time that they are not being counted in the title race. The 5-0 whitewash against New Zealand has once again proved India's might in world cricket. The win does not say that New Zealand were a weak side but the result clearly indicates India have a strong bench strength," he said.
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