- The unceremonious exit of the Virat Kohli-led Indian T20 cricket team from the ongoing world cup in the UEA has shocked the cricket-crazy countrymen no end. That the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals is hard to fathom and the reasons being touted are hardly acceptable to the fans. What has probably riled the fans, even more, is the way the team meekly capitulated to arch-enemy Pakistan in the opening fixture where we were comprehensively thumped by 10 wickets. To rub salt to the wound, we were also beaten squarely by New Zealand by 8 wickets in the next match. With these two sound drubbings, Team India’s chance of qualifying to the last four simply evaporated rendering us hopeful of sneaking through the backdoor, which eventually did not happen.
PC: DNA Web Team
- Of course, the knives were out no sooner than the loss against Pakistan was registered. As you are aware, every citizen in the country is a cricket expert and people can be expected to voice opinions on the possible reasons for the debacle. Few of the stalwart players bandying about reasons ranging from bio-bubble fatigue, lack of rest, continually being on the road, toss playing a decisive role, and sheer absence of intent failed to cut any ice with the discerning fans. Fans were right in questioning why players chose not to skip the India Premier League before the all-important world cup. Undoubtedly, some of the reasons mentioned here did play a part but the most important reason was none other than a few faulty selections in the first two crucial matches.
- It was known that there will be changes made to the composition of the team as the next T20 world cup is scheduled to be played in Australia next year. Since Virat Kohli had already announced quitting captaincy of the T20 team much before the present world cup, the appointment of a new captain was always in the offing. As expected, Rohit Sharma has been given charge of the shortest version of the game. The appointment of Rahul Dravid as the new Head Coach following the term conclusion of Ravi Shastri heralds a new regime too which should serve the Indian cricket team a notch higher. It is interesting to keep watching whether there will be any changes undertaken by the BCCI to the captaincy of 50 overside as well. Looks like the same is inevitable.
PC: Hindustantimes.com
- Further, the changes announced to the T20 team against the forthcoming series against New Zealand aftermath of the early world cup exit make imminent sense. The selectors were categorical in announcing that bowling-allrounder Hardik Pandya has been dropped for hardly bowling in the last year-and-a-half. The message is loud and clear. Past reputation cannot be a guarantee if the defined roleplay is not resulting in fruition. As such, the inclusion of IPL sensation batting-allrounder Venkatesh Iyer is most welcome. So do the inclusion of paceman Avesh Khan making it to the team. The elevation of KL Rahul as deputy to Rohit is a smart move too. Hopefully, the new-look T20 team will deliver in the upcoming series.
