Its not stats which make players legends. Its how they affect the game as a whole, their personality, how they carried their team through tough times and was always there for them. Stats aren't what makes a legend. Stats are just like the icing on the cake, you can't have the icing without the cake.
Srinath was India's lone pace bowler in an era where spin dominated. He bowled with pace, vigour and determination. He had several missed occassions, but always broke through. He was a master at exploiting the subcontinental pitches, doing things which no other foreign bowler could do. Infact, had he bowled more on English/Pakistani/Aussie greentops and had a bit more luck, he would have made the 400 club, no doubt. He had pur pace, great determination and a fantastic cricket brain. Even to this day when he is commentating on TV, you can see his experience showing through. He has great plans and ideas against batsman many couldn't even think off.
Akhtar is known for a horrible attitude, wasting his talent, his big mouth, his sheer lack of fitness and determination, and have I mentioned his horrible attitude? Even if he is changing, it is too late now. He will be a legend, but for all the wrong reasons.
Oh, and Wahindiawah knows what he is saying. Irshad has yet to do anything 'extraordinary'.