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Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has explained why India have been lacklustre in their first two matches in the T20 World Cup 2021. Akram believes that lack of limited-overs international cricket has led to the poor show by the ‘Men in Blue’. The all-rounder also pointed out that India’s last limited overs series including all senior players was played more than six months ago against England at home. He also backed his opinion by saying that playing Indian Premier League (IPL) is not enough to prepare for the mega event.
"India last played a limited-overs series with all the senior players in March. Now we are in November. So that shows they are not taking those international series seriously. They think playing the IPL is enough. You play as much league cricket in the world that you want. While playing league cricket, you will find one or two good bowlers in the opposition. In international cricket, you will face all five good bowlers," the legendary all-rounder told A Sports.
India’s last international limited-overs series was played in July against Sri Lanka. However, a second-string side was sent on the Sri Lanka tour led by Shikhar Dhawan was sent to the island while senior players were on a break before the five-match Test series against England. The left-arm pacer also said that toss has played a major factor and pushing accomplished opener Rohit Sharma to no.3 worsened their situation.
"It wasn’t a great game. It was a one-sided game. India committed a lot of mistakes. When they lost the toss, I feel they were pushed back a little psychologically. The biggest mess-up was downgraded Rohit Sharma to 3 in a crucial, do-or-die game. The guy has got four centuries in T20Is as opener. They could have made Ishan Kishan bat at 3 too. This was the start when the panic button was pressed," the 55-year-old said.
