Sport - Cricket

‘Phase out the seniors’ retirement’

— PHOTO: PTI

Wasim Akram.

New Delhi: The retirement of India’s senior cricketers should be done in a phased manner, according to Pakistan’s pace legend Wasim Akram who said it was imperative for India to maintain the ideal blend of youth and experience in the Test team.

Akram said it was not easy to find immediate replacements for the seniorS in Test cricket where experience counts a lot. “It is important to maintain the right blend of youth and experience in the Test team. In Twenty20 cricket, you may need young legs, but you can’t do without experience in Test cricket”, Akram said.

Former captain Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly retired from international cricket after the recent Test series against Australia amidst speculation that some of the senior players had been given a deadline to hang their boots.

The intense media speculation on the future of the senior players has not amused the former Pakistan captain who said putting pressure on these stalwarts was extremely unfair.

“The players should be left to decide when they want to quit,” he said. “If too many senior players retire at the same time, there will be a big void. India should guard against that as it could weaken the Test team considerably”, he said.

On Rahul Dravid’s lean form, Akram said it was just a matter of one good knock and the seasoned batsman will rediscover his touch.

“He (Dravid) just needs one good knock. That will work wonders for him. Every player goes through a bad patch, he has failed in only two series. He is too good a player and there is no doubt that he will bounce back soon,” the legendary paceman pointed out.

Akram was not in favour of giving Dravid a short break to regain his form. “He will get back his form. He is 34, there is still a lot of cricket left in him. His experience will be invaluable particularly when India goes abroad. He can guide the youngsters in the team,” he said.

On whether Sachin Tendulkar should give up the one-day format of the game to prolong his Test career, Akram said Tendulkar can make a big difference with his experience in both forms of the game.

“I think he should keep playing in both forms of the game. He is playing very well and his experience will be important for India. If I was the selector, I will pick him for both ODIs and Tests,” said the cricketer-turned commentator.

Asked whether the Indian Cricket League should be given recognition and players who have aligned with the rebel league should be allowed to play for the country, Akram said every league should have the sanction of the International Cricket Council.

“Every league has to go through the ICC, the game’s world governing body has to sanction it”, he added. — PTI

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