Wasim Akram raises doubts over India's bowling preparations for ICC T20 World Cup 2022

India were underwhelming in the Asia Cup [PC: Twitter]

Two successive losses against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2022 witnessed India crash out of the six-nation tournament. Despite collective failures across departments, India's bowling was a cause of concern for many.

In absence of spearheads Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, management decided to bank on youngsters like Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan to muster bowling duties with Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While Kumar disappointed in Super 4 matches, Avesh's untimely illness thinned the attack even further. 

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram raised queries about India's fast-bowling arsenal going into the ICC T20 World Cup in October.

“My question is that how will you find, how will you replace bowlers, just 3-4 games before the World Cup?” 

Speaking to official broadcasters Star Sports, Akram in particular raised eyebrows about Rohit Sharma's utilisation of Avesh.

“If I was Rohit Sharma, I will tell Avesh Khan that Avesh, I want you to bowl 140+, if you cannot bowl, please tell me. I don’t want any 135 line length bowlers,” 

“His soul purpose is to bowl quick, and if he cannot do that what is the point of having him in the team. That’s why I want the skipper of India to have a word his his fast bowlers.” 

Hardik Pandya hasn't had a great time recently [PC: Twitter]

India's road to ICC T20 WC

India will play their final Asia Cup 2022 match against Afghanistan tonight. They will return home and face the mighty T20 World Champions Australia in a 3-T20I series starting on September 20.

India's last assignment before the world event will be against South Africa, who will visit Indian shores for a 3-match ODI and T20I series, beginning September 28.

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