‘I feel Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs……..’ – Former Pakistan pacer slams Team India’s tactics during ODI World Cup 2023 final vs Australia

Team India suffered a shocking six-wicket loss over Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final on November 19 at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Co. have failed to use their tactics, which easily helped Australia win the game. Speaking about the game here, Team India posted a total of 240 runs in the given 50 overs. However, the Men in Yellow easily chased down the total with 42 balls to spare and won their sixth ODI World Cup title.

However, a plethora of former cricketers and pundits feel Team India failed to utilize their home conditions, and that gave Australia the chance to dominate them. Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram feels the Men in Blue were panicking a bit in the game. In addition, the well-renowned cricket commentator feels Shami failed to dismiss Travis Head despite his ability to remove left-handed batters. The legendary cricketer feels Team India should have used Siraj from the start owing to his swing ability.

“They panicked a bit. I understand that he [Shami] has dismissed many left-handers and has bowled brilliantly from round the wicket. Travis Head survived against him. You must have noted that Shami bowled a couple of wide balls. I feel Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start just because of his swing,” Wasim Akram said.

Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram feels Rohit Sharma failed to think outside the box, which cost him the game. Moreover, the former right-arm pacer reiterates how Mohammed Siraj can be lethal at the start of the overs.

“Psychologically, Shami knew that he comes first change, so the ball is controllable as it is a little old. Giving him the new ball in the World Cup final, out of the box thinking, I am all for it. But, Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start. If nothing had happened, Shami could have been brought on,” he added further.