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'I Feel Sad For Virat and Rohit..': Shoaib Akhtar Laments Media Pressure Ahead of Ind-PAK Clash 

image-lmd7vzecShoaib Akhtar speaks on the youtube channel  [Twitter]

In the lead-up to the much-awaited Super 4s showdown between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, former Pakistani cricketing legend Shoaib Akhtar voiced his concerns about the mounting media pressure on India's star players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The intensity of this scrutiny, Akhtar believes, affects their performance, both before and after clashes with Pakistan.

Akhtar, known for his candid views on cricket, discussed the issue on the YouTube channel 'Wake up with Sorabh.' He expressed empathy for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, acknowledging the relentless criticism and hype that surrounds their every move on the field. 

We have the better bowling attack - Shoaib Akhtar 

"I feel sad for the likes of Virat and Rohit for the bashing that they get. But Virat is someone who performs under pressure. There hasn't been a greater batter than Sachin and even he had to suffer for 20 years, the onslaught from media. I feel the media does a lot of bashing for TRP. I feel sorry for the current cricketers for the pressure they're under."

Looking ahead to the India-Pakistan World Cup encounter, Akhtar expressed his confidence in Pakistan's bowling attack and offered a strategic insight. He suggested, 

"We have the better bowling attack. If I was with the team, I would have pushed them to show more courage and be fearless. Don't talk to Virat Kohli, just start pushing him. Disturb his focus. Get him busy with you. If he gets busy with batting then he will win the game. One lakh people in Ahmedabad watching India play Pakistan. Who will be under pressure? Pakistan? I want them to identify this and cash in on the opportunity."

In a notable move, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced a reserve day for the India-Pakistan clash scheduled for September 10 at R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This decision ensures that in case of adverse weather conditions suspending play, the match will continue on September 11 from the point it was suspended, guaranteeing an uninterrupted battle between these cricketing giants.