“Unnecessary to play ODI series,” Wasim Akram says India playing ODI series against Australia before the World Cup is risky 

Wasim Akram thinks the ODI series isn't required because the World Cup is "Long."

“Unnecessary to play ODI series,” Wasim Akram says India playing ODI series against Australia before the World Cup is risky 

Wasim Akram (Image via ICC)

After India won the 2023 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, Wasim Akram was discussing the match with Sanjay Manjrekar and Mayanti Langer. The 3 have been in the broadcast team of Star Sports. 

While discussing India’s matches after the Asia Cup, Wasim Akram was not pleased with the fact that India would face Australia in a 3 match ODI series before the World Cup. They would play their first game on 22nd September, 5 days after they won the Asia Cup. 

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Talking about the series, Wasim Akram said, “It’s unnecessary to keep an ODI series against Australia before the World Cup. There’s already 9 fixed matches in the WC, you don’t want your players to get tired.” 

The last match of the series would be on 27th September, just 3  days before India and Australia play their first ICC ODI World Cup warm up matches.

Related: AB de Villiers RELIEVED to see Suryakumar Yadav in ODI World Cup squad despite poor shows in the format

Wasim Akram thinks Suryakumar Yadav should play the Australia ODI series ahead of Virat Kohli

Suryakumar Yadav has been having a horrid run in One Day Internationals. In 2022 he scored  260 runs in 12 innings with only one half century while averaging 26. In 2023, he had a worse slump in form, scoring only 153 runs in 10 innings.

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Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav during the 2022 ICC T20I World Cup (Image via ICC)

Wasim Akram acknowledged the terrible form Suryakumar Yadav is in and said he should play all the matches in the Australia series and the World Cup Warm-up games. He thinks that by resting Kohli, they would ensure Suryakumar Yadav gets a bit of match practice. 

Akram thinks this rest would help Virat Kohli as well, as the World Cup is long. By resting Kohli, Akram believes the 34-year-old can get a much deserved rest and can be fit for the World Cup. 

On Jasprit Bumrah, Wasim Akram advised Bumrah to strengthen his right shoulder and play only 2 matches in the Australia series. He thinks he is great rhythm after returning from injury, but still should play some more games.

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