Former Pakistan sprinter Shoiab Akhtar has praised the India team, its captain and the entire dressing room for their historic comeback in the recently concluded Boxing Day event against Australia.
Akhtar, who had previously called Adelaide’s “mighty” debacle in India “shameful”, has praised Ajinkya Rahane for leading from the front and the entire Indian room to back a young man like Mohammed Siraj, who overcame personal defeat for star in India’s glorious victory at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
In an exclusive interview with Sports Today, the world’s fastest bowler added that India backs Siraj shows that players are backed regardless of caste, race and creed. In addition, he praised the character of the Indian players and said that they recovered despite not having Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami on their side.
“Teams are not made on the field. Teams are made in the locker room. To regroup, after Australia hit him 36. I think the locker room played a role in that.
“I saw Ajinkya Rahane fight. He fought with his bat. The fight was there to see, between bat and ball. India didn’t have Virat Kohli, Ishant, Shami. By the way, this was half the team. Kohli is a team and a half anyway, just like Rohit.
“Ajinkya Rahane made sure he would come out as a brand with the bat and the performances. His captaincy was also smart. His bowling changes, the way he uses Bumrah, the way his Siraj. It was difficult. for him after losing his father. He received the support of his teammates. Shows the faith that India has in its players in the dressing room, regardless of caste, race and creed. It could have been the best time for his father , but unfortunately it was not that shows how the dressing room supported the player.
“Looking at the mood in the dressing room, I can say that India can regroup and have a chance to win the series.
“Ajinkya Rahane played a pivotal role, the fitness of Bumrah and other guys,” Shoaib Akhtar said while speaking with Boria Majumdar on Sports Today.
Watch the full interview on Sports Today at 3 p.m. IST on January 1
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