Indian cricket is in a good position: Wasim Akram | Cricket News

The Pakistan cricket fraternity has heaped praise on the Indian team for their incredible journey to the World Cup final, with the legendary Wasim Akram saying their cricket “is in a good position” despite losing to Australia in the title clash. Australia ended India’s run in the final with a six-wicket victory to extend their dominance in the tournament. “Obviously they have to be broken to lose the final, but in cricket these things happen. India had a bad day, and unfortunately it happened in the final,” Akram said.

“You look at their structure, the money for the players, the well thought out programs and the reserve talent and they just need to keep doing those things. Their cricket is in a good position,” he added.

Akram said that as a former player, he knew how mentally tough the Australians were during knockout matches.

“I was captain when we played them in the 1999 World Cup final and although we beat them in the league, in the final they were a different team, like yesterday in Ahmedabad.” Some, like the former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rachid Latiffelt that the Indian team was in no way inferior to the Australians.

“Maybe it’s just a psychological thing with the Indian players. This team deserved to win the World Cup final, but all credit goes to the Australians for showing once again how strong they are mentally and organized in their sport,” Latif said.

Latif termed seamer Mohammad Shami’s bowling in the World Cup as exceptional.

“You look at the way he progressed and did so well. He was India’s most outstanding player in my opinion at that World Cup.” Former Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq felt the Australians read the pitch better than the Indians and the toss proved vital.

“A batting team first needed over 300 on that pitch to defend it,” he said.

Misbah also praised Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli for setting an example throughout the tournament.

“I think the young players must have learned a lot from these two, in the dressing room and at this World Cup.” Former players Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal thought it was time for India to start focusing on building a T20 team for next year’s World Cup.

“…But it will be difficult for the Indian selectors not to consider Rohit, Virat or Jadeja for the series in South Africa or even for the Champions Trophy in 2025,” Basit said.

Former batsman Mohsin Khan said Pakistan needed to learn from the way India and Australia had adapted to the demands of modern cricket, especially in the World Cup.

“Instead of looking at India’s defeat, we need to appreciate the fact that this year they have already played in two ICC finals, losing both times to Australia. They are doing something right.”