I’m not abusive towards Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag: Shoaib Akhtar

Pakistan’s legendary speedster Shoaib Akhtar believes that former Indian openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag don’t know how to speak in public.

The 44-year-old, Akhtar, featured in 46 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan, in which he bagged 178 and 247 wickets respectively. He also took 19 T20I wickets in 15 appearances.

“Sehwag and Gambhir are good human beings. They are very good people. But when they come on TV they say whatever comes to their mouth. Even I can use bad language and be abusive towards them. But I don't say such things, because children will watch the show,” said Akhtar during an interview on social media app Helo.

Gambhir, in 147 ODIs, mustered 5238 runs including 11 tons and 34 half-centuries. With the red ball, he accumulated 4154 runs in 58 Tests at an average of 41.95.

ALSO READ: I used stronger words: Arthur recalls heated exchange with ‘arrogant’ Umar Akmal

Meanwhile, Sehwag represented India in 104 Tests, 251 One-day Internationals (ODIs) and 19 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) while scoring 8586 runs, 8273 runs and 394 runs respectively in each format.

While speaking about young Pakistan pacers like Naseem Shah, Akhtar urged them to be more focused on their bowling.  

“Naseem Shah and few newcomers will follow my attitude. In the coming years they'll also be more prepared and more conscious about their bowling rather than being aggressive,” he said. “I’m very soft from the inside, but my image is serious and aggressive as a bowler.”