‘Merit won’: Shoaib Akhtar praises Gautam Gambhir's 'massive risk' with Sanju Samson for T20 World Cup win

Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar has lauded praises on the Indian team its coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Sanju Samson after the Men in Blue defied history to win back to back T20 World Cups. In a now viral video, Akhtar credited the rise of India in cricket to the investments made in by the Indian cricket board.
Speaking during the Pakistani show, ‘Game on hai’, Akhtar said, “I think I’ll say two or three things about India. First, their policy won. Then, their system won. Most importantly, their merit won. It was possible that their money might not have been utilized in the right places, but are the kids playing in the Ranji Trophy not earning well?"

“​Hasn't Gautam Gambhir proven today that by backing a youngster, he can win a tournament with just two key players?… Despite all odds, Gambhir dropped someone and took a massive risk based purely on merit and the result is right before you. Sanju Samson was that sole player who neutralized every team right from the top.”

“Today, their policy won and their merit won. They proved that they think in the right direction and at the right level. They give the right person a chance.”