How Cup Hopes Slowly Faded Away
The Times of India Delhi|November 02, 2021
TOI Traces The Shortcomings In India’s T20 World Cup Plans…
Partha.Bhaduri
How Cup Hopes Slowly Faded Away

Technically India are not out of the World Cup but a solemn acknowledgment of their imperfections won’t be out of order. Having lost their two most important group games, India are unlikely to make it to the semifinals. With a net run rate of -1.609, the best they can do is beat Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia and then hope both New Zealand and Afghanistan lose one of their remaining games to bring NRR into play.

It’s not impossible but a long shot. India have been lackluster with both bat and ball. On the field, they froze, Off it, they have betrayed some confusion.

“There’s only one way to play T20 cricket. You have to be optimistic, you have to be positive and take calculated risks. That’s what this format is about,” Virat Kohli said after the defeat to NZ. So far, India have done none of those. TOI looks at some of the factors responsible...

OUTDATED STRATEGIC APPROACH

India boasts the world’s best T20 league, in purely cricketing terms, but that staggering wealth of strategizing and innovation hasn’t permeated into the national team. The failure to learn from the IPL has been apparent in this World Cup on several fronts:

(a) The selectors punted on established names and went by reputation, a very 50-over approach and never a good idea in a format in which a few balls can change the outcome. On the bowling front, where were the Harshal Patels, Avesh Khans and Arshdeep Singhs who just impressed in the IPL on these same pitches? With the bat, where were Ruturaj Gaekwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Sanju Samson and Prithvi Shaw?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA DELHIView all
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022