Sehwag needs to motivate Team India: Akram

Jan 23, 2012 |

IANS

Adelaide

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Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram said that captaincy should make Virender Sehwag more accountable as India prepare to play for pride in the fourth and the final Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval here on Tuesday.

Akram feels that Sehwag, who has had a tough time with the bat, will be able to motivate the Indian team, which is down after having lost the series 0-3. Sehwag will be leading the side in the absence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has to sit out with a one-match ban for the team's slow over rate in the Perth Test.

"I know he hasn't done much in the series so far, but I am expecting to see a different Sehwag at Adelaide. In the three Tests so far, he has simply stood in the slip cordon and looked very nonchalant. This attitude could change. Hope Sehwag will inject some life in the team," Akram said.

Akram hoped that Sehwag's past record at the Adelaide Oval will stand him in good stead. Sehwag is among the top Indian run-getters (308 in two matches at an average of 77.00) in Adelaide and struck 151 in this last innings at the venue here in 2007-08.

"But it's not all about runs. As a captain, Sehwag has to be the great motivator that India have missed in the series so far. Sehwag surely has to score but he has to inspire the youngsters at the same time," Akram was quoted as saying by ESPNStar.com.

Asked if Sehwag should replace Dhoni if he suceeds in Adelaide, Akram said: "Look, Dhoni is only 30 and is the only real captaincy material that I can see in India now. Sehwag is a second choice, but only just."

Akram also asked India not to read too much in the selection of off-spinner Nathan Lyon in Australian XI.

"Don't get carried away by Lyon's selection. If the Australians have included him, it is just to add variety, nothing else. The Adelaide wicket is the closest to that of a sub-continental track, but if the Indians are planning to go in two spinners, it could be counter-productive. I will opt for a medium-pacer instead," he said.

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