- Cricket fans were devasted when Team India was steamrolled by Australia in the finals of the 50-over World Cup when the overwhelming home favorites could not cross the last hurdle on expected lines. Mind you, the way Team India had performed leading up to the finals was not only phenomenal but also showcased a rare consistently dominating performance enabling the entire nation of billion plus to feel the team was on course to clinch the much-coveted Cup after 12 long years. Worryingly, this has been the scenario for Team India during the past several ICC-sponsored events failing to emerge victorious despite possessing such internationally renowned superstars of great merit. As the saying goes, life must move one, Team India too has moved on.
PC: SportBible
- Undoubtedly, close followers of Indian cricket would acknowledge that Team India has performed exceptionally during overseas tours by winning in some of the toughest places. Take, for instance, Team India’s back-to-back triumph against a formidable opponent like Australia in their backyard. Hardly few teams can boast such an enviable record against an opposition like Australia where the conditions are tough for the visiting teams. Team India successfully beating Australia denotes how our players have performed outstandingly in taming the battle-hardened Aussies on their turf. No complaints for sure. However, one country that Team India has failed consistently to overcome the challenges is none other than South Africa.
- Previous tours to the Rainbow Nation have resulted in defeats even though Team India came close to winning the series once when the scores were level at 1-1. As you are aware, South African pitches usually aid fast bowling greatly and Team India now is endowed with some of the finest exponents of the skills as well. We were made to believe that the ongoing two-match Test series offered Team India a great opportunity terming the tour as the final frontier for the visitors to claim. Yes, Team India indeed possesses several players of repute who on their day can be match-winners capable of overcoming stiff challenges thrown at them. However, what transpired in the first Test match was a complete capitulation of Team India who were beaten within three days.
PC: AI Jazeera
- A lot was expected from Indian players but what eventually turned out can be termed as a pathetic display worthy of denigration. Indian batsmen were found wanting in not only negating the pace and seam movement generated by South African pacers but also failing to put up worthwhile resistance expected in the classic format. Less said the better about the bowling unit which collectively failed to deliver in helpful conditions. Indian pace bowlers appeared toothless and clueless spectacularly failing to offer challenges to the home batsmen. No wonder, opener Dean Elgar notched up a big hundred in the first innings setting up the hosts’ eventual win over the fancied visitors. Will Team India square the series from here? Let’s hope they will.
