The ICC World Cup 2023 has witnessed an exceptional display of bowling prowess, particularly by the Indian pacers. As Rohit Sharma’s Team India strides confidently into the semi-finals, the cricketing world is abuzz with the performances of key players, especially Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, catching the attention of legendary Pakistani bowler Wasim Akram.
Team India has emerged as the unparalleled powerhouse, boasting an unbeaten streak in the tournament. The recent decimation of second-placed South Africa at the renowned Eden Gardens has solidified India’s dominance in the World Cup. Their upcoming clash with New Zealand in the semi-finals promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with India’s unstoppable momentum and top-ranking position.
On the flip side, Pakistan faces an impending exit from the World Cup, while their arch-rivals, Rohit Sharma’s squad, has soared to the zenith of the competition. The contrast between Babar Azam’s team’s disappointments and India’s successful campaign showcases the undeniable prowess of the latter.
Wasim Akram, a fast-bowling maestro, shared invaluable insights on the exceptional performance of the Indian pacers during an interview on Pakistani news channel A Sports. He highlighted the critical factor of confidence in bowlers performing at the highest level and applauded the Indian pacers for exuding the aura of being amongst the best.
“For starters, as a bowler, the confidence at this level has got to be like ‘I am one of the best’, and these guys (Indian pacers) have that confidence. Once you have that, then all the hard work you have done over the years (pays off),” Akram said.
Akram specifically singled out Mohammed Shami, emphasizing the precision and seam control in Shami’s deliveries. His ability to consistently hit the seam, maintaining line and length, makes him a challenging adversary for batters. Akram accentuated Shami’s impactful bowling style, recounting his formidable performance against Ben Stokes in a memorable World Cup showdown.
“Shami’s every delivery hits the seam, and it does not wobble; it just goes straight and kisses the pitch. He doesn’t bang the ball in,” Akram continued.
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The discussion also pivoted to Jasprit Bumrah, whose wrist-based swings and remarkable control over the seam, coupled with a commendable pace, have made him a standout performer in the tournament. Akram lauded Bumrah’s skill in swinging the ball and his notable speed range, a testament to his bowling finesse.
“Stokes had no clue what to do. Look at his length; he came around the wicket to seam (the ball) out, and then the last ball he brought in. But his length and seam position never changed, off-stump or top of off-stump. Wahi se andar, wahi se bahar (moving the ball in and out from the same spot). That’s why he is so difficult,” Akram further explained.
Akram delved deeper into Shami’s exceptional performance at the World Cup, highlighting his extraordinary figures of 14 wickets in merely 4 games. He detailed Shami’s unwavering precision, consistently challenging the batters by moving the ball in and out from the same line, making him an intimidating force in the bowling attack.
“Bumrah swings with his wrist, Shami with seam; and obviously he has got good pace as well, 142-145 kmph,” he added.
