The Indian Cricket Team came close to grabbing one more ICC Trophy, but it was another “so close, yet so far” moment for the Asian giants. It caused an uproar among the fans and critics. Windies Legend Andy Roberts slammed the players and the team management after a disgraceful display at the Oval.
Rohit Sharma & Co. emerged second best to Australia in the World Test Championship Final, as they lost by 209 runs. India’s quest for an ICC Trophy continues, since the ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2013.
Roberts stated that India’s arrogance proved costly for them. They underestimated the rest of the world, and this belief let them down.
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“There is this arrogance which has crept into Indian cricket and through this, India has underestimated the rest of the world. India must decide what their focus is —Test cricket or limited overs cricket. T20 cricket will run its course. There is no contest between bat and ball there,” Roberts told Mid-Day.
India were horrific in all departments, but the batting unit was the worst. India’s best batters at the WTC Final were Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur. One would be surprised to know that only one of the three is a specialist batsman, while the others are bowling-allrounders at best.
The 72-year-old criticized the batting department, as they failed to show any bright side to their talent.
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“I expected India to show their batting strength”, Roberts said. “I saw no bright spot in the final although Ajinkya Rahane fought hard; got hit on his hand”, he added.
"Shubman Gill looks good when he plays those shots, but he stands on the leg stump and is often dismissed bowled or caught behind. He has good hands, but he must get behind the ball. Virat Kohli, though, got a brute of a delivery from Mitchell Starc in the first innings. India have some very good players mind you, but they have not performed creditably away from home,” said Roberts about the two Indian superstars, who were magnificent at the recently-concluded IPL 2023.
“How can you not pick your best spinner?” - Roberts questions Ashwin's non-selection
Roberts questioned the team management over the team selection in a crucial encounter. India’s tried-and-tested formula of playing two spinners was not opted for at the WTC Final. Dropping Ashwin was astounding to many, and Roberts was one of them.
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“Dropping Ashwin was ridiculous. How can you not pick your best spinner? Unbelievable, the think-tank’s decision to pick four quick bowlers appeared fine to him except the fact that not one of those four is very tall. “That would have made a difference in terms of bounce,” said Roberts.
