Whenever Pakistan have tried to hype Shoaib Akhtar’s presence in their ranks to tackle the strong Indian batting line-up, their gameplan has backfired. No other team — Australia excepted — make life so miserable for Akhtar, so affect his economy rates and averages, so often as do India.In four Tests, the only time he has managed to pick up more than five wickets against India (both innings included) was at Kolkata in 1999, thanks to the hosts’ generosity of handing the visitors a genuine greentop.That was Akhtar’s first Test against India. And ever since, his presence in the Pakistan team while facing the neighbours has been less a help than a hindrance. Akhtar averaged 30 or more against India in 2004, stretching his overall economy rate from a decent 3.22 to 5.11 during that period.It extends to ODIs. Statistics suggest that India have learnt to play him better ever since they faced him for the first time at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur in 1999. From an econ rate of 2.00 then, India have managed to reduce Akhtar to just another ordinary bowler, his econ rate dropping to almost 5.01 overall.Akhtar’s sling action—usually difficult for batsmen to adjust to — has not helped; neither have his run-up—longer than the likes of Waqar Younis and Michael Holding in their prime — or his muscle build, reminiscent of Dennis Lillee and Andy Roberts at their best. His problem, perhaps, is that he doesn’t spend enough time thinking or planning. ‘‘Think before you decide what you’re going to do,’’ has often been Imran Khan’s suggestion to the fast bowler. Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, who sincerely believes that Akhtar has changed himself of late, says: ‘‘At times, it appears as if he’s out there only to bowl as fast as he can. But as a world-class bowler, one needs to put mind over matter.’’ Akhtar himself isn’t quite perturbed. ‘‘It is god’s gift to me. I will not slow down,’’ he told Ten Sports when asked if he was trying to cut down on pace and add some spice to his bowling by way of innovation.It’s difficult to believe that less than two months ago, Akhtar — fresh from a year’s break — terrorised England, picking up 17 wickets in the series. On Monday, as Sehwag and Dravid plundered Pakistan’s bowlers for 400 runs, Shoaib Akhtar was made to look very ordinary once again.
