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Shoaib Akhtar is not surprised to see India struggle in South Africa
Controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar has created a flutter yet again.
The former Pakistan pacer said he is not at all surprised to see the Indian batsmen struggle on the ongoing tour of South Africa.
"It is not surprising that the Indians have struggled. It happens with every team in the first few matches because of the different conditions and pitches, but the Indian batsmen will be really tested in Tests," said Akhtar, when asked about India's 0-2 loss in the recently-concluded ODI series.
India now plays a two-Test series against the Proteas, starting December 18.
'Waqar was neither a good captain nor a good coach'
On matters pertaining Pakistan cricket, Akhtar said he does not support Waqar Younis getting the head coach's job after the departure of Australian Dav Whatmore.
"Waqar was neither a good captain nor a good coach," the outspoken Akhtar said on Geo Super channel.
He publicly voiced his grievance of being dropped for the 2011 World Cup semi-final against India, at Mohali.
"When I learnt the team management, Intikhab Alam and Waqar Younis had declared me unfit for the semi-final even though the captain, Shahid Afridi, wanted me to play, I wanted to go into the ground," he said.
'Intikhab and Waqar ganged up against me'
"It was the most shattering experience for me, and, at that time, if I could, and if God had allowed me, I would have killed someone.
"Playing against India in a World Cup semi-final was the biggest match for me and I knew if I played I would have gone flat out in the first 10 overs, as those overs would decide the match. It hurts that they didn't play me although I asked them tell me how did you decide I am unfit," Akhtar added.
He disclosed that he had no issues with Afridi, who captained the side in the World Cup.
"We have supported each other a lot and I know Shahid wanted me to play in the semi-final, but Intikhab and Waqar ganged up against me," he said.
'Waqar has some bitterness against us'
Asked why he and some other former players who played with Waqar, like Muhammad Yousuf and Afridi, had complaints against him, Akhtar replied, "I don't know.
"...he (Waqar) has some bitterness against us and his behaviour with us was not acceptable," he said.
Waqar is being talked about as a prime candidate to take over as head coach of the Pakistan team when Whatmore's contract expires in February.
He stepped down as head coach in September, 2011 after differences with the board and captain Afridi.
Akhtar also said he appreciated the fact that Afridi, as captain, had always tried to support the senior players.