India played well throughout but tactically wanting on big finals day
As fan of Indian Cricket, I am very happy but still lot to be desired.
As its 20th November 2023 a morning after the emotional night, itโs time to reflect on a wonderful World Cup for Team India and what future holds for us. Some reality checks and things which need urgent attention. Let me first review what happened on 19th November.
Review of the match
Australia secured their sixth Cricket World Cup title in a historic victory on Sunday, overcoming both the odds and a fervent home crowd in Ahmedabad to defeat host nation India by six wickets.
Despite dominating much of the tournament with 10 consecutive wins, India fell short of meeting the nationโs expectations, intensifying the pressure in a cricket-obsessed country that had eagerly awaited a one-day trophy for 12 years.
Australiaโs formidable bowling proved effective against Indiaโs nearly impregnable batting lineup. Travis Headโs remarkable performance, scoring 137 off 120 balls, anchored Australiaโs run chase, leading them to victory and another World Cup trophy.
The host nation, having won the last three World Cups and holding the No. 1 spot in world rankings, was widely expected to continue its winning streak, especially at the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium.
India had a blazing start, scoring 80 runs in the first powerplay, matching the record for a menโs World Cup final. Captain Rohit Sharma showcased brilliance, hitting a massive six that set off both metaphorical and literal fireworks. However, Rohitโs dismissal, caught brilliantly by Head off Glenn Maxwellโs bowling, followed by Shreyas Iyerโs quick exit, shifted the dynamics of the game.
As the pressure mounted, the run rate slowed, and despite Virat Kohli and KL Rahulโs efforts to rebuild the innings, the momentum waned. Kohliโs dismissal at 54, chopping onto his stumps from a delivery by Australiaโs captain Pat Cummins, further impacted Indiaโs prospects.
Cummins strategically rotated his bowlers, preventing Indiaโs batsmen from settling into a rhythm. Following Kohliโs departure, no substantial partnership formed to contribute a big score. Rahul fought to reach 66 off 107 balls, and the tail added crucial runs, but it seemed challenging to defend the total.
Australia seized the momentum in their batting innings, with David Warner and Head putting on 15 runs in the first over. Warnerโs dismissal in the second over to Mohammed Shami gave India a glimpse of hope. However, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smithโs quick exits left Australia at 47-3, shifting the momentum in Indiaโs favor.
Every play and miss by Australia provoked deafening cheers from the crowd, hoping for India to capitalize on their advantage. Yet, a stellar performance by Head, named player of the match, and Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 58, formed a partnership that wrested the game away from India.
Headโs innings concluded just two runs shy of victory, allowing Maxwell to come on and hit the winning runs, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Australians.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli & Mohammad Shami were outstanding throughout the tournament.
Australia out fielded us on the ground and deserved to win on the day only with fielding.
Tactically Australia was brilliant, and India played to opponentsโ weakness rather than own strength.
Reality Checks for Team India:
Playing on dry wicket and not having the no 1 test spinner in team Ashwin: India was always going to play on dry wicket against Australia as they had in mind the weakness of Australia to play spin bowling but forgot that players like Gill, Shreyas & Surya will have to play on the same track. To make matters worse did not play Ashwin on dry wicket. Travis Head did trouble us in WTC finals too and we did not learn anything as we had benched Ashwin at that time too.
Young Generation needs to have all round game: Our young players are flat track bullies and are often caught short when they play on tricky surfaces. The footwork of our players and strike rotation is often a concern. On challenging conditions against good teams, we have often seen Team India struggling. India needs to address this problem at grass root level. T20 products are not going to serve us in long format. Players like Abhimanyu Eashwaran & Priyank Panchal are often ignored due to stars of IPL.
Going away from the PLAN A which worked so beautifully throughout tournament: India gave new ball to Shami in search of wickets in the final rather than Siraj who was more used to handling the new ball that immediately signaled the other team(Australia) panic button is pressed. There was honestly no reason for team India to do that so early in the game.
Listen to Ian Chappel and you will know Why Australia has such a great record in World Cups. Itโs a must listen. Click here
Way forward for Team India:
Its time for India now to move on and give more opportunities to younger players and we need to search our next Rohit , Virat & Ashwin. Youngsters need to be groomed for Test level and T20 should just be its byproduct. If we build our team on T20 we will struggle in longer format.
No Knee Jerk Rections: We have to blend the seniors and juniors in the team and the current template is perfect but with fine tuning we are in right direction ahead.
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