I don't follow cricket much, but losing a semi-final to England without taking any wickets might be worse than getting all out for 36 in Test cricket. The knives will be out as they should be. However, there are some interesting insights:
- The two finalists have quite a few players who play in the BBL Australia and are familiar with the pitches (India does not let its players participate).The two finalists have several players who play in the BBL Australia and are familiar with the pitches. However, Indian players are not allowed to participate in this league.The two finalists in the BBL Australia have several players who are familiar with the pitches, unlike the Indian players who are not allowed to participate.
- Change of captain, coach etc. has not made much of a difference since the general approach has not changed. Hardik Pandya in the IPL showed how mindset can make a difference.
- We cannot let go. The coach had a few conversations with cricketers about moving on and it became big news. Unfortunately, this means the board will not bite the bullet and ask some players to move on
- Our best players are tigers at home but come up short outside the country. Is that reflective of us in general or sport in particular?
- Our bowling was always suspect with Bumrah missing and some others injured. Our bowling has always been in doubt with Bumrah's absence and other injuries. That deficiency showed up in every game, and we are a better chasing side as goal clarity while batting first is missing. Are we better followers than leaders?
- The victory against Pakistan camouflaged some glaring weakness. We just got lucky, and it became all about the Kohli resurgence. There was at least one match against SA in India where we lost where the ask was even harder and we got close. The blame fell on Sanju Samson and Avesh Khan for not closing it out. Sport is about thin margins, but there's no need to glorify or criticise someone.
- Media has played a critical role and continues to do so if you watch the comments. It is eventually sound bites and should be ignored. In sport as in life you will win some and lose some.
- Both our wicket keepers batting was sub-par on Australian wickets and the fielding a notch below the others. Imagine an NBA team keeping a slow mover on court. So world-class is only in terms of income for Indian players, rest is best left unsaid.
- Our Top 3 have not delivered (despite Kohli making runs) and that has always been the case in crunch moments. You cannot play an anchor role in T20s, and hope the rest of the world builds around you. Worked for Dravid in test cricket but is out of place in shorter formats.
- We have short memories and like everything else will move on and perhaps that's true of life as well
- Some Indian techies who travelled to Australia to watch the matches may have found that they no longer have jobs when they head back to their respective countries.
Have a good weekend and keep watching cricket.
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