In the aftermath of India's ODI World Cup 2023 final loss against Australia, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram expressed his belief that India's middle order could have adopted a more aggressive approach.
The team managed only four boundaries between overs 11 to 50, contributing to a modest total of 240 runs. Despite some early hiccups in Australia's chase, they secured their sixth 50-over title with six wickets in hand.
Akram, speaking to Star Sports, emphasized the need for the middle order to play with a "do or die" mindset. He suggested that a more assertive approach during that crucial phase of the game could have altered the outcome in India's favour.
KL Rahul, who spent a significant portion of the innings at the crease, scored 66 off 107 balls. Akram acknowledged Rahul's cautious approach, considering the lack of batting depth after Ravindra Jadeja. He highlighted the potential impact of Hardik Pandya, suggesting that his presence might have allowed for a riskier batting strategy.
The former skipper also defended Rohit Sharma's aggressive style, particularly his decision to go for a big shot against Glenn Maxwell, despite hitting a four and a six in the previous two balls. Akram stated that Rohit's approach had been consistent throughout the World Cup, providing valuable starts for the team.
He criticised the sudden complaints arising from Rohit's performance in the final, noting that he had been delivering similar performances throughout the tournament.
Rohit's 47 did offer India an initial boost in the innings, contributing to a partnership of 76 runs for the loss of Shubman Gill's wicket after 9.3 overs.
However, after the dismissals of Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, India's innings lost momentum, leading to a heartbreaking end to their previously undefeated run in the tournament.
Akram's observations shed light on the critical moments where a more aggressive mindset from the middle order might have altered the course of the final.