Losing Asia Cup ahead of T20 World Cup 2022 not good for India: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram (Twitter)

Team India, under Virat Kohli, crashed out of the 2021 T20I World Cup in the opening round following defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand. The setback called for a revamp in the Indian setup, which included the appointment of Rohit Sharma as all-format skipper of the national side.

Under his leadership, the ‘Men in Blue’ put together a remarkable winning run. His Indian troops registered thumping wins over West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka at home, and also won both segments of limited-overs internationals in England this year.

However, India's winning streak in a series/tournament came to a crashing end at the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2022. The team sustained defeats to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and subsequently failed to reach the finals of the competition.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes that the loss came at the wrong time for India, considering the all-important 2022 T20I World Cup is just around the corner.

Akram praises captain Sharma but laments Asia Cup defeat

Legendary speedster Wasim Akram praised Sharma for scoring runs at the Asia Cup 2022 event. The Indian skipper scored a 41-ball 72 against Sri Lanka, albeit in a losing cause.

While speaking with Star Sports, Akram said that the innings benefitted the opener but India’s overall performance in the tournament before the all-important T20I World Cup might affect him. The cricketer-turned-commentator said:

“What a player. What an innings he played (against Sri Lanka), no doubt. But I think this performance from India will affect his performance. If you're losing just before the World Cup which is just around the corner, that does make a difference to your captain.”

India will now face Australia in a three-match T20I series between September 20 and September 25. The series serves as a testing ground for both sides ahead of the showpiece event in Australia next month.

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