Poor form of duo a concern for Team India, says Shoaib Akhtar

Indian Team in action (Source: AP)

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that the likes of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will have to improve on their batting performances as their current form is a concern for Team India. 

Rohit and Rahul failed to stitch together a partnership against Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2022 opener. The top order failed spectacularly and it could have been a humiliating defeat for India had it not been for Virat Kohli's masterclass. 

The two Indian openers are undoubted match-winners on their day and they will have to get back to their best if India are to win the World Cup this year. 

Akhtar believes that captaincy has had an impact on Rohit Sharma's batting and Rahul is being too cautious with his approach. 

The Pakistan legend has urged both players to play with more clarity and freedom. 

India will now take on the Netherlands in their next World Cup game on Thursday, in Sydney. 

The Men in Blue are expected to field an unchanged lineup against the Dutch and it will be a good opportunity for the two batters to get some runs under their belt and regain their confidence. 

Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel: 

"India's openers are looking intimidated and scared. Rohit needs to calm down as a captain, his batting is bearing the brunt of it. KL Rahul is getting trapped because of his extra focused approach, he shouldn't do so."

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