Following India’s unexpected 0-3 Test series loss at home to New Zealand, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram believes Pakistan could exploit India’s recent weaknesses against spin to beat them in a potential Test series, should it be played on turning tracks.

India’s latest series defeat highlighted serious struggles against New Zealand’s spin trio of Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and Glenn Phillips. Barring Rishabh Pant, who averaged 66, and Washington Sundar, who averaged 44.5, the rest of India’s lineup faltered against spin. Standout names like Yashasvi Jaiswal (25.6), Shubman Gill (29.5), and Sarfaraz Khan (23.5) had difficulty maintaining consistency. Meanwhile, India’s key batters, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have notably struggled, with Sharma averaging just 10.5 and Kohli 16.75.

While India faltered, Pakistan has seen success on home soil. Recently, they managed to overcome England 2-1 in a Test series played on turning pitches, reversing an early loss with two spin-friendly tracks in Karachi and Multan. Off-spinner Sajid Khan and left-arm spinner Noman Ali delivered match-winning spells as the English batters faltered on unfamiliar, turning surfaces.

Akram shared his thoughts during commentary with former England captain Michael Vaughan during the first ODI between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne. Vaughan proposed the idea of an India-Pakistan Test series, to which Akram responded with enthusiasm, acknowledging the heightened intensity of such a rivalry.

“It will be massive. It will be good for the game, for two cricket-crazy nations,” Akram said. In response to Vaughan’s comment that “Pakistan can now beat India on turners,” Akram added, “Pakistan have a chance to beat India in Tests now on a spinning track. They have been hammered by New Zealand 3-0 at home.”

An India-Pakistan Test series remains a long-anticipated event; the last one took place in 2007, with India emerging victorious in a three-match series by 1-0. Since then, the two sides have not met in the longer format of the game due to political and diplomatic reasons, leaving fans from both countries yearning for a return of this historic rivalry.