PAKISTAN great Wasim Akram has branded India’s ageing batsmen ‘physically inadequate’ – wilting in a bumbling unit embarrassing sub-continent cricket.
Akram says MS Dhoni’s side has been cocooned at home by an Indian board complicit in its downfall and obsessed with a Twenty20 Premier League.
“Perth should be an eye-opener for Indian cricket,” said Akram of India’s second loss by an innings this tour in a 3-0 scoreline after losing to England 4-0 last winter.
“Seven straight overseas Test losses should send the BCCI a clear message: there is something seriously wrong in the way India are playing cricket and a team that was recently world No. 1 cannot afford to be just kings at home.
“India’s abject surrender is a sub-continental shame.”
Even icon Sachin Tendulkar – the only Indian batsman to average over 40 here – didn’t escape the wrath of Akram as one of India’s flat track bullies.
“The conditions at Perth and Sydney exposed the physical inadequacies of an ageing cricketer,” said Akram, who provided advice to giant Australian left-armer Mitchell Starc in Perth.
“Hot and humid conditions can be physically taxing and at the WACA, at least three senior Indian batsmen were simply too tired to move their feet and tackle a moving ball after fielding for almost two days.
“Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Tendulkar have been legends but past laurels don’t win you matches.”
Akram – the superstar all-rounder who retired in 2002 with 414 wickets at 23 and 2 898 runs at 22.64 in 104 Tests – says India must make tough calls on its seniors to renew and win abroad
“The criticism of the Indian team is fully justified,” said Akram, with India still without a series win in Australia after 10 visits.
“The onus is now on the Indian selectors, who have to take some brave decisions. You need to accept reality and move on.”
Akram said skipper Dhoni – banned from playing in the Adelaide Test due to slow over rates – must lift his game in the Test arena while coach Duncan Fletcher faced an unfavourable review in 12 months.