India didn’t deserve to qualify for T20 World Cup 2022 final: Akhtar slams Rohit Sharma’s men after loss to ENG

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at Team India after their 10-wicket loss to Jos Buttler’s England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 on Thursday, November 10 at the Adelaide Oval.

After topping the points table in their Super 12 Group, India failed to put up much of a fight in the semis. The Men in Blue posted a competitive score of 168 after being put in to bat first. Hardik Pandya’s 33-ball 63 gave their innings some sort of momentum.

However, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler’s 170-run stand helped the Three Lions chase the target down with 24 balls to spare.

Akhtar also expressed surprise at the fact that Yuzvendra Chahal didn’t play a single match in the championship.

“It’s a very embarrassing loss for India. They played terribly and they deserved to lose and didn’t deserve to qualify for the finals. India were beaten very badly. Their bowling was exposed very badly. These conditions are helpful for fast bowling and India don’t have an



express pacer.

“I am not sure why they didn’t play Chahal in a single match. It’s a confusing team selection for India,” Akhtar was quoted as saying.

Akhtar mentioned that India gave up the ghost after Buttler and Hales took England to a brisk start in the powerplay.

“It was a really bad day for India as their heads went down after they lost the toss. When England batted their first five overs, the Indians raised their hands. At least, India should have tried to fight, come round the wicket and bowl bouncers. They showed no aggression whatsoever,” he stated.

Akhtar also backed Hardik Pandya to take charge as the Indian skipper sooner rather than later. Hardik captained India on the Ireland tour earlier this year and is also set to lead them in the upcoming T20I series on New Zealand soil.

“There is a lot to think about for Indian cricket. Hardik Pandya is an emerging captain for New Zealand and he has a chance of being permanent,” Akhtar added.