Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar slammed India’s approach in the ongoing 2021 T20 World Cup. He said that the team has lacked the “fearlessness” that the T20 format demands.
With consecutive defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand, India is on the verge of the exit in the mega tournament. In his column for the Times of India, Sunil Gavaskar has shared his views. He said:
“The word ‘fearless’ has often been used about the Indian team in recent months, but what has been seen is a fearful approach to a format that demands constant action and upheaval. We have also heard captains and coaches saying they are not afraid to lose while going for a win. It’s easy to say that when you know your position is secure even if you lose. Now is the time to show it.”
Talk about getting into the groove 💪 👍@imVkohli | @ImRo45 #TeamIndia #T20WorldCup #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/utXY9tSOKE
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 3, 2021
Despite two wins in the warm-up matches, India failed to keep up the momentum in the tournament. Notably, India lost two tosses and while batting first, India managed to score at 6.53 in their two matches as well. While they lost by 10 wickets against Pakistan, they lost by eight wickets against New Zealand.
“For India to have that chance to qualify, they need wins by massive margins in their games against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia. Then if New Zealand falter somewhere, they have that slim crack in the door to barge in,” the 72-year-old further added.
Afghanistan won’t be an easy opponent – Sunil Gavaskar
All ready to go for game day 🇦🇫 vs 🇮🇳
Thank you @AbuDhabiCricket for 🎥 pic.twitter.com/634jj7XT7N
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 3, 2021
While India will take on Afghanistan next in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Sunil Gavaskar said they will be a tough opponent for India. With two big victories and a narrow loss from their three matches, they will trouble India for sure. And, if they manage to beat India, they will create history also. Sunil Gavaskar again shared:
“Afghanistan won’t be easy opponents. They ran India close in the 50 overs World Cup two years back, and it was excitement and inexperience that did them in that time. The T20 format is the one they love. They have mystery spinners and batsmen who love to smash the ball. Above all, they have Rashid Khan. So, India know they have a fight on their hands.”
“Here’s where champion teams pick themselves up from the floor and come hard at the opponents. India have champion players, no doubt about that at all. But do they have that fight, that hunger to win after being softened up by Pakistan and New Zealand?” Sunil Gavaskar further added.
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