‘Ask MS Dhoni to not come to bat himself’ – Shoaib Akhtar’s hilarious advice to Pakistan ahead of T20 WC clash against India

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar put forth some rib-tickling advice for Pakistan going into their T20 World Cup 2021 clash against India on Sunday, October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India, captained by the 32-year-old Virat Kohli, are yet to beat Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, having slumped to defeats in all their five matches.

To start with, the Rawalpindi Express suggested Pakistan to give India sleeping pills keeping in mind how strong the Men in Blue are. The veteran thereafter asked them to somehow stop Kohli from using Instagram where the latter is a popular figure.

As his third advice, he asked MS Dhoni to not come out to bat for Team India. In the past, Dhoni has played several knocks of substance against the Men in Green. Shoaib was clear cut in saying that the 40-year-old hasn’t run out of gas and is in form.

I am telling you he’s still the most in-form batter, says Shoaib Akhtar

“Give sleeping pills to India first. Second, stop Virat Kohli from using Instagram for two days (chuckles). And third, ask MS Dhoni to not come to bat himself, I am telling you he’s still the most in-form batter,” Akhtar was quoted as saying to Sportskeeda.

He advised the Pakistan openers to take the team off to a steady start in order to push India on the backfoot. He asked Babar Azam and Co. to be a tad circumspect in the powerplay before going hell for leather. Akhtar also advised the Pakistan bowlers to come out all guns blazing.

“Pakistan needs to open in a manner where you can get a good start. Then, Pakistan will have to avoid dot balls, play run-a-ball for 5-6 overs then take the strike rate up. And when it comes to bowling, if you have a good total, then make sure you are out there and take wickets,” he added.

Pakistan won their first warm-up game against West Indies before going down to South Africa. India, on the other hand, defeated England and Australia in the warm-ups and must be high on confidence. Both India and Pakistan have won the T20 World Cup once in 2007 and 2009 respectively.