‘India's approach was a bit timid’: Shoaib Akhtar’s blistering remark after India failed to clinch World Cup trophy

The Indian Cricket team stumbled in the ODI World Cup final on November 19. Rohit Sharma and Co. were bowled out for a paltry 240 and Australia secured a six-wicket win in the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, former Pakistani star pacer Shoaib Akhtar said that luck did not favour India in the final match against Australia.

Follow the Sports Tak channel on WhatsApp

On his YouTube channel Akhtar said that India reached the final by beating all the teams but couldn’t turn up in the final match. Australia chased down India’s target of 241 runs to secure their sixth ODI World Cup title.

"India played the final, it's not an easy job. They reached the final by decimating all the other teams. Unfortunately, they couldn't replicate their performances in the final. They've reached close to winning the trophy on many occasions in the last 12 years but couldn't win it," said Akhtar.

He said that luck hadn’t gone in India’s favour and felt that their approach looked a bit timid. Travis Head scored a superb century in Ahmedabad and played a crucial role in Australia’s dominant triumph in the ODI World Cup final.

"India has the best batting with Kohli scoring the most runs, Shami picked the most wickets. But unfortunately, luck hasn't been in their favour. But Australia just know how to hold their nerve in big matches. I thought Australia's approach was good and India's approach was a bit timid," Akhtar added.

India played their fourth ODI World Cup final in 2023, aiming to get revenge for their defeat in the 2003 final. Unfortunately, Rohit’s team couldn’t dash Australia's dominant performance in Ahmedabad.

India entered the final on the back of a 10-match winning run, defeating every team in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Meanwhile, Australia, who lost their first two matches against India and South Africa, went on an eight-match winning streak to reach the final.

With this victory, Australia raised their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)

MORE ON SPORTS TAK: 

Babar Azam reacts to Team India's painful loss to Australia in World Cup final, takes 2022 T20 WC revenge from Kohli

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and more: 6 Indian stars who won't feature in another ODI World Cup
'I don't know what's there in future': Rahul Dravid uncertain about head coach role after World Cup 2023 final loss