Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his desire to coach Team India if any such offers come his way in the near future. Akhtar has been quite vocal on social media, courtesy his opinions and remarks over the past few years. Also, he is willing to share his knowledge with the younger lot.
In an interview on social networking app ‘Hello’, he expressed interest in playing a pivotal role in producing fast bowlers who won’t step back when it comes to getting the better of a batsman. Akhtar’s playing days were marred with controversies and fitness issues. However, the pacer is admired all over the world due to his sheer brilliance with the ball.
Shoaib Akhtar on sharing his craft with the younger generation:
“I will definitely. My job is to spread knowledge. What I have learned is (ilm) knowledge and I will spread it. I will produce more aggressive, fast and more talkative bowlers than the current ones who will tell-off the batsmen in a way that you will enjoy a lot.” he said.
Akhtar also said that he would love to coach IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. The temperamental bowler was a part of the franchise in the inaugural season. He played three games and picked five wickets including a match-winning 4-wicket haul against Delhi Daredevils.
Akhtar also recalled his early meeting with batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. He met Tendulkar during Pakistan’s tour of Indian back in 1998. Akhtar said he wasn’t aware of the popularity of Tendulkar until he saw the rousing support in the Chennai Test.
“I had seen him but didn’t know how big a name he was in India. In Chennai, I got to know that he was known as a god in India. Mind you, he is a very good friend of mine. In 1998, when I bowled as fast as I could, Indian public celebrated with me. I have a big fan following in India,” he said.
Akhtar and Tendulkar’s rivalry is one for the ages. Both were prolific in their respective facet. Akhtar also spoke about the Centurion ODI in the 2003 World Cup where Tendulkar had launched the pacer for a famous six. On a lighter note, he said if he had known that the particular six would make the Indians so happy, the pacer would have conceded one every game.