Team India lost to New Zealand in their second match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. This was their second consecutive loss in as many matches in the tournament. Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Virat Kohli-led team for their performance against the Kiwis.
Virat Kohli lost back to back tosses as India scored a paltry 110/7 batting first. None of the Indian batsmen were able to get starts as the Kiwi bowlers bowled tight line and length to keep them in check. They also lost wickets at regular intervals as their top-order crumbled once again in the tournament.
Shoaib Akhtar has questioned the tactics and the mindset of the Indian team after losing their second game on the bounce. In a recently launched video, the former Pakistan pacer criticised India’s tactics in the game.
“I don’t know with what mindset and attitude they were playing. Why did Rohit bat at 3, why did they open with Ishan Kishan? Hardik Pandya, bowling pretty late in the innings, should’ve bowled earlier. I have no idea whatsoever about India’s gameplan. It was a completely lost Indian squad.”
Akhtar further said that it was an average performance from the Indian team and they would struggle to move forward in the tournament given the immense pressure on the players from the Indian media.
India Never Turned Up For This Game: Shoaib Akhtar
“It never seemed as if India turned up for this game or not. Average performance by team India. After all the hype and pressure from the Indian media, I knew that the team would struggle. Again, the team proved to be a weak bowling side,” said Akhtar.
Akhtar further said that India might well lose their next match against Afghanistan on November 3 in Abu Dhabi. The Afghans brought out a spirited performance to win against Namibia and improve on their net run-rate. They are placed second on the points table with the Kiwis moving upto the third spot with the win over India.
“What I can understand right now, is that, if Afghanistan wins the toss and elects to bowl first, it will be a major problem for team India. That match is in Abu Dhabi, and again, the ball stops on the surface there. Even if India score 150 or 170, Afghanistan will not spare them. It is not looking good for India right now” concluded the former Pakistan speedster.
Get the latest update on T20 World Cup and other cricket news. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.