Following Team India’s loss in the first semi-final of the 12th edition of ICC World Cup 2019, the team members were crestfallen, particularly highest run-getter of the tournament, Rohit Sharma. However, the loss didn’t sit well with many which include former Team India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who had blasted the Team India management after India’s semi-final loss to New Zealand at the Old Trafford on July 10.
Earlier, the high-marquee clash between Kiwis and India was played on two separate days following inclement weather on Tuesday (July 09). On that particular day, Kane Williamson-led side won the toss to bat first, but Indian bowlers had bowled magnificently well to keep Kiwis batsmen under check.
However, the rain halted the game when the Black Caps were 211 for five in 46.1 overs. On Wednesday, Kiwis resumed their innings to set a target of 240 in 50 allotted overs.
In reply, India had a terrible start, and at one stage they were reeling at 92 for six. Thereon, Ravindra Jadeja 77 (59) and MS Dhoni 50 (72) slammed a fifty each to record 116-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Boult in business:
But when the game had entered into the exciting phase, Trent Boult got rid of Jadeja before Martin Guptill had produced a sensational run out to see Dhoni trudging off the field.
Following the shocking exit, Yuvraj, who announced his retirement on the tenth of June, had solely blame Team India management.
The batting collapse of Team India had taken many by surprise which further saw middle-order wobbling under pressure apart from Jadeja and Dhoni, who almost pulled off a miracle.
The 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj, who also joined a bandwagon of critics by saying the management, should have nursed some who could have shoulder the responsibility at the No. 4 spot.
India had faced heat in the semis:
Besides, the veteran cricketer reminisced about their 2003 World Cup when India face Kiwis ahead of the mega tourney. The southpaw revealed they were failing, but there on the same squad went to feature in the World Cup.
“The team management should have groomed someone. If someone was failing at No. 4, the team management should have told that player that he was going to play the World Cup. Like in 2003 World Cup, we were playing New Zealand before the tournament, everybody was failing. But the same team played in the World Cup,” the Times of India quoted Yuvraj, as saying.
Earlier, during the ongoing World Cup, India had become No. 1 ODI team which also saw them finishing the league stage on top with 15 points in nine matches. They have lost their solitary game against England by 31 runs at Edgbaston on June 30.
Men in Blue looked dismal with the bat:
By and large, the team management had faced the wrath for their decision during the knockout game against Kiwis. Interestingly, Dhoni was demoted to bat at No. 7 spot.
Yuvraj had also questioned a gameplan of the team. He asserted that the team has faltered for not backing a player at No. 4 spot. Yuvraj had categorically stated that it’s not fair to overlook Ambati Rayudu.
Pertinently, the BCCI’s selection committee had preferred Vijay Shankar. Also, Rishabh Pant had replaced injured Shikhar Dhawan before Mayank Agarwal joined the Team India squad after Shankar nursed a toe injury.