File image of Sunil Gavaskar
Legendary former captain Sunil Gavaskar said the Indian batsmen’s failure to score enough against strong teams was the primary reason for the team’s normal campaign in the T20 World Cup, urging the side to change its approach in the power-play overs.
India were knocked out of the race for the semi-finals after losing their first two Super 12 games against Pakistan and New Zealand in the ongoing showpiece in the UAE.
“The way Pakistan and New Zealand bowlers restricted our batsmen, didn’t let them score freely, that was the main reason why India couldn’t progress. The dew was making batting easier (in the second innings) because the ball Wasn’t taking turn, spinners’ balls were going straight,” he said.
“There was an advantage to bat second but if you had 180 odd runs your bowlers would have got 20-30 runs in the cushion. When you are making 111 (against New Zealand) then dew doesn’t come into the picture. We didn’t Did it. Scoring runs and that’s the main reason, nothing more.”
Gavaskar is not in favor of major changes in the team and urged the side to rethink its approach to power-play overs. The iconic former batsman said that the team is not scoring enough in that phase against strong opposition.
“I don’t think a wholesale change will make any difference. You need to change your approach, like take advantage of the power-play overs which India didn’t do in the last few world tournaments.”
“The fact that in the first 6 overs, there are only 2 fielders outside the 30-yard-circle, India has not taken advantage of it for the last few ICC tournaments.
“…whenever India is up against a strong team that has good bowlers. India can’t score. That’s why it needs to change,” he said.
Gavaskar also cited fielding as one of the reasons for India’s poor performance.
“Second and most importantly they should have players who are exceptional in fielding. The way New Zealand fielded, saved runs, took catches… he stood out.
“Even if the attack is normal, the pitch is calm, good fielding can make a big difference. If you look at the Indian team, barring 3-4 excellent fielders, you cannot depend on the rest to save runs or dive. can limit,” he said.
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