Watch: Shoaib Akhtar lashes out at Virat Kohli

Since creating his YouTube channel last year, Shoaib Akhtar has been in the news for his views on the cricketing world. After India’s 10-wicket loss against Australia in the first ODI in Mumbai, many former cricketers and experts have expressed their views about the team’s performance. Shoaib Akhtar joined in the discussion with his YouTube video, in which he has heavily criticized Virat Kohli’s strategies and India’s performance.

Akhtar criticises India after the 10-wicket loss

The former Pakistani fast-bowler said, “It was a big day and it was to be decided which is the better team. But surprisingly, India were humiliated. Their bowling conceded record amount of runs and they couldn’t take a single wicket. It was like they had already surrendered.”

After this, the Rawalpindi express touched upon the much talked about the demotion of Virat Kohli to no. 4. The decision was made as India wanted to play all the three openers, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan. Akhtar said, “Shikhar Dhawan played well but Kohli coming out to bat in the 28th over is bizarre. If you see, there were partnerships but none of them were impactful. ”

Wake-up call for India, Akhtar claims

The veteran of 444 international wickets went on say that he thinks India’s bowling is a bit of a problem. He also acknowledged the fact that toss was very crucial on that wicket. “If Australia wins the toss again, the same things like the Mumbai ODI might be repeated. I hope it doesn’t happen that India lose 3-0. It will be embarrassing for them. Their confidence was nowhere close to the best, even though they are one of the best sides in world cricket. ”

Stressing on the Kohli’s demotion, “India needs to go back to the thinking desk. Virat has to come out to bat earlier than the 28th over. But, I think it’s a wake-up call for them. India can still comeback and win this 2-1 but they have to be very good against Australia”. In the post-match conference, Virat Kohli himself said he needs to re-think the batting order. India will take on Australia in the second ODI in Rajkot on January 17.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyrAqAL4uGw