India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2021: Suryakumar Yadav will be threat for Pakistan, says Wasim Akram

Legendary former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram singled out the stylish Suryakumar Yadav as a potential "game-changer" for India in the ICC T20 World Cup, saying his ability to hit innovative 360-degree shots in the post Powerplay overs makes him a special player.

India and Pakistan open their tournament campaign against each other on Sunday and the world's greatest ever left-arm bowler said that Pakistan's dismal ICC record won't have any bearing on the upcoming game. "Suryakumar Yadav will be India's game-changer. He will change the complexion after the six (Powerplay) overs and I have seen his shots, he was with me (Akram was a mentor) in KKR (back in 2012 and 2014) and now he has improved," Wasim Akram was quoted as saying by 'Aaj Tak'

"What a terrific player he (Surya) has become. He plays safe shots and doesn't stop, so he should play in that manner only," Akram added. In fact, Akram feels that Surya is a product of the robust domestic structure that BCCI has built in the past decade. Indian cricket is on a high and I heard Ajinkya (Rahane) say that BCCI has invested in domestic cricket. You are getting the fruits now."

While Virat Kohli has decided to quit T20 captaincy, Akram feels that it will help him "play fearless cricket" in the tournament. On comparisons between Kohli and his younger Pakistani counterpart Babar Azam, another player destined to be great for his country, Akram feels that Babar will eventually emulate the Indian captain in terms of achievements.