How India lost WTC Final? | Analyzing India’s Batting Woes in Global Events
India’s batting performance in global events has been a cause for concern in recent years. Despite reaching the final stages of major tournaments, the team has often faltered when it mattered the most. In both the 2021 and 2023 World Test Championship finals, India’s batting lineup failed to deliver, leading to their downfall. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons behind their struggles and the captain’s perspective on the issue.
The 2021 WTC Final: A Missed Opportunity
During the rain-interrupted 2021 World Test Championship final, India started the reserve day with hopes of setting a challenging target for New Zealand. With strong batters like Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and R Ashwin in the lineup, India seemed well-positioned to make a comeback. However, they were bundled out for a mere 170 runs, allowing New Zealand an easy victory.
The 2023 WTC Final: A Bold Approach Falls Short
Fast forward to the 2023 WTC Final at The Oval, where India faced the daunting task of chasing 444 runs. Despite the enormity of the target, India’s approach was bold and aggressive right from the start. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill showcased their attacking prowess, scoring runs with gusto. Even the dismissals of Rohit and Pujara did not deter their intent, as Kohli and Rahane continued to fight for victory.
Lapses in Concentration and Loose Shots
However, on the final day, both Kohli and Rahane succumbed to playing questionable shots that they would typically avoid. Along with Rohit’s decision to sweep and Pujara’s uppercut attempt, India’s top-order batsmen fell victim to loose shots. While Rohit acknowledged the team’s batting failures and loose shots, he emphasized the importance of playing with freedom and without pressure.
Freedom of Play and A Different Approach
Rohit Sharma defended the team’s approach, stating that the message to the players was to play with freedom and take calculated risks. He highlighted that this mindset applied to all formats of the game, be it Test cricket, T20s, or ODIs.
Rohit further explained that the positive start in the second innings was part of the plan to put pressure back on the opposition. However, he acknowledged that playing with such an aggressive mindset could also result in wickets falling quickly.
Contrasting Mindsets: 2021 vs. 2023
Rohit’s open-minded approach contrasted with the batting mindset of the 2021 WTC final, where Kohli criticized the lack of risks taken by the Indian batters. Rohit refrained from being too critical of his players, highlighting their previous successes in England and Australia. He attributed the loss to a lack of mental presence in a one-off game rather than a systemic issue within the team.
Missing Contributions from Experienced Players
While Rohit defended the team’s approach, he did admit that experienced players failed to make a significant impact in the match. The absence of substantial contributions from senior players in this crucial game cost India dearly. Rohit cited the absence of partnerships like Travis Head and Steven Smith’s 285-run stand in Australia’s first innings, which swung the game in their favor.
Looking Ahead: 2023 World Cup and Doing Things Differently
India’s continuous struggle in global tournaments since their triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy has left the team hungry for success. With the upcoming 50-over World Cup hosted by India, Rohit Sharma expressed the team’s desire to adopt a different approach and play a unique brand of cricket. Rather than focusing on the significance of individual matches, their emphasis will be on breaking the cycle and doing things differently to achieve success.
Conclusion
India’s batting woes in global events have been a recurring theme in recent years. While the team has reached the final stages of major tournaments, their inability to deliver during crunch moments has hindered their success.
Rohit Sharma’s emphasis on playing with freedom and a different approach highlights the team’s determination to break the cycle and achieve glory in the upcoming 2023 World Cup. With a fresh perspective and renewed mindset, India aims to rewrite their history and create a new legacy in global cricket.
