IND vs. PAK: Following India's defeat, Wasim Akram criticises Babar Azam for his jersey gesture with Virat Kohli

After Pakistan's devastating loss to India in the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday, former bowler Wasim Akram was quick to respond.

Early in the competition, India defeated the Babar Azam-led team by seven wickets to take the top spot in the point standings after winning three of their three games.

Following the intense game, Pakistan captain Babar was spotted having a tender moment with Indian captain Virat Kohli as the latter gave him a signed jersey.

Social media was quick to react when the two contemporary greats showed each other kindness, with many people applauding their friendship.

But Akram wasn't exactly thrilled with it. Following the match, a fan's question was read aloud during a panel discussion on The Pavilion, during which the fan chastised the Pakistan captain for his gesture with Kohli.

"I notice that Virat Kohli is giving Babar two shirts," the query stated, as cited by Wisden. "This clip is being shown repeatedly by everyone." But this should be a private matter; it shouldn't be handled in public after your fans are left feeling so hurt by a poor performance.

Akram quickly agreed, stating that if it hadn't been such a day, it would have been done in the dressing room.

Akram remarked, "That's exactly what I said when I saw the picture [of getting the shirts in public, not privately]." "This was not the right thing to do today. If your uncle's son has asked you to get Kohli's shirt, then go to the dressing room after the game if that's what you want to do," he said.

India chose to bowl first after winning the toss and made a great effort to dismiss Pakistan for just 191 runs in 42.5 overs.

The Men in Blue responded with little difficulty, reaching the target in 30.3 overs to increase their lead over Pakistan to 8-0 in the ODI World Cup.

Wasim Akram criticises Haris Rauf's work

Wasim Akram wasn't shy about critiquing the individual efforts or raising concerns about Harsi Rauf's underwhelming performance in the crucial match.

Pakistan's troubles in the pivotal match were exacerbated by Haris, who appeared to be one of the less effective bowlers in the game. He went wicketless and gave up 43 runs in six overs.

Bowlers are perceived in a certain way. Speaking of Haris Rauf, who has been Pakistan's primary bowler, and having nothing against him. He will, in my opinion, only take wickets when the opposition is pursuing him. He never swings the ball and picks wickets like Bumrah did today, in my opinion. For one-day cricket, Akram continued, "He needs to work on his length even though he has pace.