Former Pakistan wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal gave his honest verdict on Rohit Sharma’s innings at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Kamran Akmal believes Rohit has answered all the critics after his brilliant century at the prestigious venue.
In the series decider, Rohit Sharma scored 138 runs in 110 balls and hit 17 fours and 5 sixes in the innings. Although India lost the match by 27 runs, this innings ended speculation about the former Indian captain’s future role in the national team.
“It was a brilliant innings” – Kamran Akmal praises Rohit Sharma’s Lord’s century
Speaking on The Game Plan podcast, Akmal said that despite England winning the series, the last match was all about Rohit Sharma and his century. He claimed that the former Indian captain played a brilliant innings and reminded everyone of his being one of the best ODI batsmen in the world.
“Overall, England deserved to win the series, but Rohit Sharma’s century was the biggest story of the day. It was a brilliant innings from a player who reminded everyone why he is still one of the best ODI batsmen in the world. There was a lot of speculation about his future.”
“Rumours were being spread that he is no longer part of India’s plans and may not make it to the 2027 World Cup. Today, Rohit answered all those questions with his bat,” Akmal said on The Game Plan podcast.
“When they feel the time is right they leave”- Kamran Akmal on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement
Kamran Akmal also said that it was a slap to all the selectors and those who wanted Rohit to step down and retire, as great players like the 39-year-old responded. He also said that if anyone tries to oust them from the team, Virat and Rohit will not leave them, because when they feel the right time, they will leave.
“Today’s innings was his answer. There was talk that he should be sidelined, but performances like this show why great players should be judged by their performances on the field. Players like Rohit and Virat don’t step aside just because someone drops them.”
He said, “When they feel the time is right they leave. Both of them have sacrificed a lot for Indian cricket over the years. They rested when needed, put the team first and continued to perform. That is why they remain superstars.”
Kamran Akmal criticized India for not playing Kuldeep Yadav
Kamran Akmal also heavily criticized the Indian bowlers, as Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh conceded a lot of runs, and also pointed to the poor performance of Gurnoor Brar, and also the fact of not playing Kuldeep Yadav, who could have been a difference maker for the team due to his wicket-taking ability.
“Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh are experienced bowlers, but both of them gave away a lot of runs. Gurnoor Brar gave away 97 runs. When your main bowlers are giving away 70 to 100 runs, it becomes very difficult for the opposition to defend or stop them. India also missed Kuldeep Yadav.”
He said, “With only one frontline spinner, Axar Patel, they lacked variety. I felt Kuldeep should have played. His wicket-taking ability could have made a difference.”
“India’s bowling lacked experience. They gave away more than 80 runs in the last five overs and that proved decisive. Even though they fought hard with the bat, they were always chasing too high a target. India also looked a bit complacent.”