Fitness and bench strength keys to win IPL, says Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes fitness and bench strength are key elements to win fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), getting underway on Wednesday.

This season is expected to be quite entertaining, as nine quality sides will take on each other. Akram, who is currently shouldering responsibilities as Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling consultant, feels every side will have to focus on fitness issues
and bench strength in order to fancy its chances in the league.

"With all the travel involved and summer upon us, fitness will be the key. Hence bench strength and fitness levels will be crucial," Akram stated.

"It will be interesting to see how senior Indian players like (Sourav) Ganguly, (Rahul) Dravid, (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Virender) Sehwag and Zaheer (Khan) cope up. They all have major roles to play for their respective teams," he added.

Many young and senior players are hell-bent to show their magic this season. When asked who will be under pressure, the legendary fast bowler shared that Ravindra Jadega, who was one of the biggest buy this season, will be under pressure to justify his price.

"IPL 5 will tell us how much Ravindra Jadeja has evolved as a cricketer. He started promisingly on the Australian tour but faded out. He may have talent but he now has to justify the price that Chennai paid to acquire him. Jadeja really has to get his act
together and the pressure will be enormous,” the former cricket described.

He also stated, "At the same time, Virat Kohli will be under pressure to continue his good form. He has been a revelation so far for Indian cricket and deserves all the adulation he is getting on and off the field. Kohli now needs to keep his feet firmly
grounded and enforce the belief that he is captaincy material.”

Talking about the favourite sides in the league, Akram uttered that KKR and Royal Challengers Bangalore are likely to make it to the qualifiers alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

The show will begin with a fascinating clash between last year’s winners, Chennai Super Kings, and Champions League triumphant side, Mumbai Indians.

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Posted by Rana Nasir Ghafoor on Apr 4 2012. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry