‘Rohit Sharma Deserves To Lift This Trophy’: Shoaib Akhtar Backs Team India For T20 World Cup Win

June 25, 2024 0 935

Shoaib Akhtar opined that India is the favourite to win the T20 World Cup, crediting their determination and Rohit Sharma’s leadership.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar believes India is the clear favourite to win the ongoing T20 World Cup. His comments came after India secured the top spot in their Super Eight group with a convincing 24-run victory over Australia.

Akhtar expressed his belief that India was also deserving champions in the 2023 World Cup final, sympathising with Rohit Sharma for missing out on lifting the trophy. He now sees the T20 World Cup as an opportunity for Sharma to redeem himself and bring the trophy back to the subcontinent.

In a YouTube video, Akhtar enthusiastically endorsed India’s chances: “Well done, India; this is your World Cup now. You should win this, and the World Cup should stay on the subcontinent. You should have won the previous one too, and this one too. You deserve it one hundred percent. My support is with you. Rohit’s intent is good, and his conscience is clear. He deserves to lift the trophy.”

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Akhtar suggested that India entered the match against Australia with a strong desire to avenge their heartbreaking defeat in last year’s ODI World Cup final. He praised India’s aggressive approach against the Aussies, stating, “What a comprehensive win for India. They had been going through depression after they lost a World Cup that they should have won. They had lost to Australia in the final, and that depression turned into obsession. They wanted to hit back at Australia.”

Australia’s valiant chase, spearheaded by Travis Head’s 76 runs, ultimately fell short. India’s dominant performance secured their place in the semi-final against England, scheduled for Thursday, June 27th. Meanwhile, Australia’s tournament run comes to an end, with Afghanistan advancing from the Super Eight Group after their thrilling eight-run victory over Bangladesh.