New Delhi, Nov 16: Former Pakistan player and cricket expert Sikander Bakht made a shocking claim about Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s toss technique.
Sikander while talking on Pakistan-based Geo News, claimed that when Rohit spins the coin at the time of toss, “He (Rohit) always sends the coin far and the opposition captain never goes to see the outcome.” His comments came after India sealed their place in the final by defeating New Zealand by 70 runs in the semi-final on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium.
Earlier, Hasan Raza claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were changing balls during the game which allowed the Indian pacers to enjoy more swing on the ball.
India opted to bat first and scored 397/4 in their 50 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma (47 in 29 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) and Shubman Gill (80 in 66 balls, with eight fours and three sixes) delivered a fine start with a 71-run opening stand.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell stitched up a partnership to pull the Kiwis back into the game. But Shami’s seven-wicket haul left the Blackcaps without answers and India went on to register a 70-run victory.
India’s opposition for the final is yet to be decided as South Africa and Australia square off in the second semi-final at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.Bakht was also a successful bowler in One Day International cricket. He took 53 wickets in ODIs, with a best of 5/25 against India in 1983. He was part of the Pakistan team that won the 1987 Cricket World Cup.After retiring from cricket, Bakht became a cricket analyst. He has worked for Geo News and Geo Super in Pakistan, and has also worked for the BBC and ESPN. He is known for his outspoken and opinionated analysis, and is often critical of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Bakht is a respected figure in Pakistani cricket. He is considered to be one of the most talented bowlers to have played for Pakistan.
He is also a popular commentator, and his analysis is always insightful and entertaining. Bakht made his Test debut for Pakistan against India in 1976.
He took 11 wickets in that match, including the wickets of Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath. (Agencies)
