New Delhi - Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram Saturday praised the decision of Indian selectors to pick Irfan Pathan for the ongoing five match One-day series against Sri Lanka as well as the World Twenty20.
Pathan though was lucky to be included in the Indian side for the Sri Lankan tour as he came into the team only as a replacement for injured pacer Vinay Kumar.
Akram, who is the bowling coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders, also lauded the inclusion of medium pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji in the T20 preliminary squad.
"Balaji is only 30 years old and I am glad that Indian selectors picked him. He is experienced with the slower bouncers, yorkers, and swings the new ball as well," Akram said.
Balaji, who is yet to debut in T20 for the national squad, was rewarded for his consistent performance for the Knight Riders in fifth edition of the IPL.
"I think Balaji will be very handy and useful for India. I know him very well as he plays for my team Kolkata Knight Riders. He has clever bowling strategies and a very good mindset," Akram added. The Tamil Nadu pacer last played an international game versus Sri Lanka in February 2009.
The Pakistani pacer, who is always been a supporter of Pathan, said that the he was the ideal person to fill the vacant all-rounder spot in the Indian squad.
"He only needs a longer run to get his confidence back," suggested Akram.
"I think Pathan is a better choice than any other all-rounder in India. He has improved a lot. I think it’s important for Pathan and India that they need somebody at number seven or eight who can bowl and bat and this guy has got the ability," said Akram
| Other Articles: |
 |
Indian boxers are fearless: Sandhu (22nd Jul, 2012) |
|
Isinbayeva likely to retire after Olympics: Coach (22nd Jul, 2012) |
|
Russian adventure excites Cinquini (22nd Jul, 2012) |
|
Boxer Vikas promises a fearless show in London (22nd Jul, 2012) |
|
Red Bull's Webber earn gearbox penalty (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Pau Gasol replaces Nadal as Spanish flagbearer (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
A 1996 Olympics: Divided Indian hockey team make another poor finish (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
India at Olympics: Indians abroad have high expectations (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Sri Lanka cricket board assures integrity of SLPL (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Coe promises 'safe and secure' Games (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Ghana to play China in international friendly (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
India bat against Sri Lanka in first ODI (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
British border force threaten strike (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Jeev, Lahiri qualify for weekend rounds at British Open (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Brazil outclass Britain in Olympic warm-up (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Roach makes bright return as Black Caps struggle (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Capello arrives in Moscow (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Lord Coe's 'no entry' for visitors wearing Pepsi T-Shirts during London Games gaffe (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
London Mayor blasts Olympics' 'brand army' for 'overzealous' ban on rings' use (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Lewis Hamilton showering Nicole with gifts to win her back (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Ryan Lochte changes diet plan to beat Michael Phelps at Olympics (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
UK Chancellor calls for new law to ban 'militant strikers' ahead of London Olympics (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
PCB questioned over omission of 'red-hot' Junaid from Pak T20 squad (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Ponting sets Ashes redemption in England as his next goal (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Calling London Olympics athletes: tweet away to make it most 'tech-savvy Games ever' (21st Jul, 2012) |
|
Jobs |
Blog |
Yellow Pages |
Games |
Jokes |
Chat |
e-Cards |
Astrology |
Articles |
Recipes |
Send Gifts
Today : Sunday - May 19, 2013, 08:17pm (GMT+5.5)
