Back to back defeats for Team India against Pakistan and New Zealand have got them to the brink of exit from the T20 World Cup. Team India’s future in the tournament is hanging by a thread given that not only do they need to win all their remaining matches, they also need a few other results to go their way.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli is under immense pressure to turn things around in his last assignment as India’s T20I skipper. He seemed perplexed in his comments at the post-match presentation ceremony. He said that the Indian team were not brave enough throughout the match against New Zealand.
Not the result we wanted, but we will look to bounce back in the matches ahead. #TeamIndia #T20WorldCup #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/A61JjoITe1
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 31, 2021
“Quite bizarre. I don’t think we were brave enough with bat or ball. We didn’t have much to defend but we weren’t brave when we walked onto the field. Whenever we looked to take the game on, we lost a wicket. That happens in T20 cricket when some hesitation set in” said Kohli.
He further said that the team needs to move on from these defeats and focus on the remaining games. “I think we have to disconnect from that a little bit and take pride as a team. As long as individuals are looking to do that, we’re fine. There’s a lot of cricket left to play.”
India will have to win all their remaining games and look for New Zealand and Afghanistan’s results to go their way to make it through to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, former cricketers were in support of Virat Kohli & Team India after two hard defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand. They showed their support on Twitter and asked the Indian fans to have patience with the team.
Former Cricketers Support Virat Kohli & Team India
Virat Kohli is facing criticism but it’s the entire team and the coaches that have failed and not just one man.
It turned out to be a scary Halloween for Indian fans. #INDvsNZ #T20WORLDCUP— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) October 31, 2021
I totally back the players, mental fatigue is a real thing and it's high time @BCCI looks into their scheduling and make sure they take care of all the players, I back the Indian players and itd high time we take care of them!
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) November 1, 2021
Let’s not be harsh on our players.yes we know them for better cricket.Sabse jyada players ko hurt hota hai after such results.but well done to @BLACKCAPS NZ for winning th match.they were fantastic in all departments @BCCI @T20WorldCup @ICC @StarSportsIndia
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 31, 2021
As an Indian cricket fan, you have every right to be hurt. Dil toota Na?
Now multiply that hurt by 100 and that’s how the members of the Indian team feel when they lose…
They don’t need our/your sympathy but a little bit of empathy won’t be a bad thing.— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 1, 2021
खेल में एक विजेता और एक हारने वाला होता है। कोई भी खिलाड़ी हारने के लिए बाहर नहीं जाता है। अपने देश का प्रतिनिधित्व करना सबसे बड़ा सम्मान है। कृपया महसूस करें कि खेल के लोग रोबोट नहीं हैं और उन्हें हर समय समर्थन की आवश्यकता है।
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 1, 2021
I still believe India is a best team its just a matter of having good time or bad time but abusing player's and their family is such a shame don't forget end of the day it's just a game of cricket.
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) November 1, 2021
Here's what a true Indian cricket fan should be doing now: Put out a word wherever you can to show your support for the Indian team. Back them now, when they're low, when they need you.
To abuse is easy. To embrace someone in distress is the real deal. Go on, show some love. : )
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) November 1, 2021
“To be brutal upfront, I don’t think we were brave enough with bat/ball. We obviously didn’t have much to play with the ball. We were just not brave enough in our body language when we entered the field and NZ had better intensity, body language. Every time we took a chance, we lost a wicket. It’s most often a result of hesitation of whether you should go for a shot or not. When you play for India, there are loads of expectations. We are watched, people come to the stadium and everyone who plays for India needs to embrace that and cope with it” said Virat Kohli regarding the staunch criticism he and the team has been receiving since India’s defeat.
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