Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar thinks that Indian bowlers lack the killer instinct that Pakistan bowlers possess. According to him, Indian bowlers don't have the 'rare energy' that Pakistani bowlers have and that's the difference between the two teams' bowling attacks. Akhtar, who recently represented Asia Lions in the Legends League Cricket (LLC), also stated that India have a good crop of bowlers but will need to be at their lethal best.
“There is a difference between Pakistan and India. The Indians are producing good fast bowlers, but what they are lacking is the rare energy – that anger on your face, that attitude that I am going to just kill you,” Akhtar told Hindustan Times, where he was joined by Brett Lee.
The Pakistan great was involved with Australian star and former World Cup winner Lee, where he shared his opinion. Over the years, Pakistan have produced some of the greats of the game in the bowling department which includes Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and others.
“The idols that we have, the food, the environment, the attitude. At the same time, you have people like me who are full of energy. It gives us pleasure to bowl quick. You become what you eat, right? My nation eats lots of animals and we end up being like animals. When it comes to fast bowlers, we just run in like lions,” the 46-year-old added.
Asia Lions ended as runner-ups in the inaugural edition of the LLC. Akhtar was one of the premier fast bowlers for Pakistan and he troubled batters with his raw pace.
Akhtar's comments on Indian bowlers could be magnified by the fact that India were unable to trouble the South African batters in the last two Tests as they chased down the targets easily. The recently concluded tour of India saw the Men in Blue lose the three-match ODI series 0-3 as well. The KL Rahul-led side was unable to scalp wickets in the middle overs which has become a major concern for Team India. The Indian team will have the opportunity to get things right, as they face West Indies in a three-match ODI series followed by three-match T20I series at home starting February 16.
