‘There is no way that India…’ – Shoaib Akhtar’s bold prediction for Men in Blue after their back-to-back wins in ODI WC 2023

Team India will be taking on defending champions England on October 29 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow for their sixth game of the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, the Men in Blue have won all of their games so far, as they thrashed five-time world champions Australia in their opening game while defeating Afghanistan in their second clash. Rohit Sharma and Co. showed their dominance against archrival Pakistan before upsetting Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Following India’s back-to-back wins, a plethora of former cricketers and experts have started praising them. Notably, former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar is one of them who has praised every individual of Team India who has contributed to a stupendous win in all five games of the ODI World Cup so far. The Rawalpindi Express heaps praise on Indian batsmen, including the likes of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav, who have performed great so far in the ongoing event.

“Virat Kohli is someone who thrives under pressure. Shubman Gill is enough for this New Zealand team. Had Rohit Sharma not got out casually, he is enough. If KL Rahul goes up the order to 3 or 4, even he is enough. India’s batting lineup is very lengthy. Everyone knows what Kohli did today, but Rahul also took the load. Suryakumar had also done so had he not got out,” Shoaib Akhtar said.

There is no way that India should not be winning the World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar

Moreover, the former right-arm pacer also hailed the performance of Mohammed Shami in his first game of the ODI World Cup 2023. The legendary cricketer feels India has a complete bowling and batting line-up. In addition, the 48-year-old cricketer says that there is no chance of India not repeating the history of the 2011 ODI World Cup in 2023.

“But in ensuring that New Zealand don’t score 300-350, Shami played a big role. He was a bit expensive, but it’s okay since he dismissed five batters. He has shown his talent and India need to persist with the same bowling attack. They have a complete batting and bowling lineup. There is no way that India should not be winning the World Cup,” he added further.