Wasim Akram questions necessity of IND vs AUS ODI series ahead of World Cup
The three-match ODI series is set to take place from September 22 to 27
Former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram has expressed his views regarding India's upcoming ODI series against Australia.
India recently clinched their eighth Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka in the final on September 17.
In that match, Mohammed Siraj's remarkable bowling performance, taking 6/21, led to Sri Lanka's dismal total of just 50 runs. Hardik Pandya contributed with three wickets, and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with one wicket, causing Sri Lanka to record their second-lowest total in one-day internationals.
India effortlessly chased down the target in 6.1 overs, with Ishan Kishan (23) and Shubman Gill (27) remaining unbeaten at the crease. Gill concluded the tournament as the highest run-scorer, amassing 302 runs at an impressive average of 75.50.
However, Wasim Akram, speaking to Star Sports after India's Asia Cup victory, expressed his opinion that the upcoming series against Australia is unnecessary. He believes it will only contribute to the players' fatigue ahead of the significant World Cup event on their home turf.
Akram pointed out that the Indian team has been constantly on the move since August, embarking on a comprehensive tour of the West Indies before participating in the Asia Cup, which spanned over two weeks. Given the limited time for rest between the Australia ODIs and the World Cup, Akram believes it may not be in the best interest of Indian players to engage in this bilateral series.
"There are different venues and travelling in India… it takes a day (between every match). You need to preserve energy before the World Cup. I don’t know why they are playing three ODIs. It is probably done a long time ago, but it was a bit unnecessary. You don’t want to be tired before a mega-tournament where you are favorites at home. If you want some more players in the squad, you can play those in the three ODIs against Australia,” Akram said to Star Sports.
The three-match ODI series is set to take place from September 22 to 27, with matches scheduled for Mohali, Indore, and Rajkot.
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