Former head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his support for India as serious contenders in the upcoming T20 World Cup, but emphasized the importance of winning the last two knockout games in any major tournament. India recently suffered a defeat at the hands of Australia in the final of a one-sided match in Ahmedabad, leaving the country’s cricket community in shock. Despite India’s impressive 10-match unbeaten run leading up to the final, Shastri believes that winning a World Cup is no easy feat.
Shastri cited the example of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who had to wait for six World Cups before finally winning one. He stressed that winning a World Cup requires exceptional performance on the big day, regardless of previous successes. According to Shastri, the format of the tournament is such that the top four teams advance to the semifinals and final, and it is during those crucial two days that performance matters the most. Australia’s victory in the 50-overs World Cup, despite losing their first two matches, exemplifies the significance of performing on the D-day.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup scheduled for June 4 next year in the Caribbean and the USA, Shastri believes that India has identified a group of talented young players who can form the nucleus of the team. He expressed confidence in India’s potential to win a World Cup in the near future, particularly in the T20 format. While acknowledging that rebuilding the side for the 50-overs World Cup may take time, Shastri believes that India’s focus should be on the shorter format where they can be strong contenders.
Reflecting on India’s campaign in the recent World Cup, Shastri described it as fabulous. He admitted that it still hurts to remember that India, despite being the strongest team in the competition, could not clinch the title. Shastri highlighted the impressive performance of the Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, who claimed 24 wickets. He believed that the team had the best chance of winning due to their strong bowling performance in the middle stage of the tournament.
In conclusion, Shastri expressed optimism for India’s future success in World Cups, particularly in the T20 format, and emphasized the importance of performing on the big day to secure victory.
