NEWS
Follow UsIn the aftermath of India’s second consecutive defeat in the 2021 T20 World Cup, this time against New Zealand, criticism has come from all corners. Former Pakistan pacer and coach Wasim Akram has opined that India made a huge blunder in a high-pressure encounter by sending Ishan Kishan at the top of the order, instead of the experienced Rohit Sharma.
Not just that, the pacer pointed out how India were pushed back a little psychologically after they lost the toss in Dubai. Akram added that dropping Rohit to the middle-order was where the Indian management pressed the panic button.
"It wasn’t a great game. It was a one-sided game. India committed a lot of mistakes. When they lost the toss, I feel they were pushed back a little psychologically. The biggest mess-up was downgraded Rohit Sharma to 3 in a crucial, do-or-die game. The guy has got four centuries in T20Is as opener. They could have made Ishan Kishan bat at 3 too. This was the start when the panic button was pressed," Akram said on A Sports following India’s defeat to New Zealand.
Akram also commented on India’s preparation for the marquee event, calling the management not serious about international events. The now 55-year-old coach pointed out how India’s A team last played a T20I together in March before the world event in October. India’s chances of making it to the semi-final of the event is in thin air, after their second loss of the campaign.
"India last played a limited-overs series with all the senior players in March. Now we are in November. So that shows they are not taking those international series seriously. They think playing the IPL is enough. You play as much league cricket in the world that you want. While playing league cricket, you will find one or two good bowlers in the opposition. In international cricket, you will face all five good bowlers," Akram said on A Sports following India’s defeat to New Zealand.
India now play Afghanistan on November 3 (Wednesday) in what would be a do-or-die clash for the Men in Blue.