T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Hardik, Dube aren’t Malcolm Marshall’ – Shoaib Akhtar slams India’s bowling attack

India’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 suffered a major setback after a disappointing 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage. The loss not only hurt their momentum but also triggered criticism from former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who questioned the team’s bowling strategy and selection calls.

Having cruised through the group stage unbetean, India entered the Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad with immense confidence. However, South Africa exposed flaws in their bowling setup. Batting first, the Proteas scored 187/7, thanks to David Miller and Dewald Brevis. In reply, India collapsed for just 111 in 18.5 overs, their biggest defeat in T20 World Cup history.

While India’s batting failed, it was the bowling decisions that drew the strongest reactions. Except for Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, who combined for five wickets, the rest of the attack struggled badly. Speaking on Tapmad, Akhtar questioned India’s reliance on pace-bowling all-rounders in the death overs, particularly Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

“Hardik and Shivam Dube were bowling at around 120 kmph. It’s not as if they are Malcolm Marshall — someone who would intimidate a batting line-up of South Africa’s calibre. If you deploy them in the death overs, such a counterattack from the Proteas is inevitable,” he said

Notably, Hardik conceded 45 runs in his spell, including a costly final over that went for 20. Dube also leaked runs. Together, they failed to contain the late assault. Akhtar also raised concerns about Varun Chakravarthy’s drop in pace. Known for operating around 97-98 kmph, Varun appeared slower in this game and was taken apart by Brevis, including a stunning no-look six. According to Akhtar, the mystery spinner lacked his usual finesse.

“India’s bowling has been exposed. If you look at Varun, whose strength is bowling at 97–98 kmph, he was clocking 94. And when he came into the attack, he was struck for a no-look six by Dewald Brevis,” he added.

Akhtar believes Kuldeep could be the missing link in India’s attack and has urged India’s think tank to bring back the experienced spinner in the XI.

“The missing link here is Kuldeep Yadav. He is someone who can deceive batters in the air and pick up wickets when needed. He is a proven match-winner,” the former concluded.

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