It has been a roller-coaster ride for Indian cricket since the 2019 World Cup, which took place in England and Wales. The tournament, which saw India come tantalizingly close to clinching the title, marked a turning point for the Men in Blue. However, in the aftermath of that event, there have been some decisions and moments that could be labeled as glaring blunders. Here, we delve into the 5 biggest missteps made by India in the world of cricket since the 2019 World Cup.
1. Wasted Opportunities in ICC Events
One of the most significant blunders in Indian cricket post-2019 World Cup has been the team’s inability to seize the moment in ICC events. Despite fielding a star-studded lineup, India has consistently fallen short in major tournaments, including the ICC World Test Championship Finals and T20 World Cups. The team’s underwhelming performances in these events have left fans and experts scratching their heads.
2. Squad Selection Controversies
Another area of concern has been the selection controversies that have plagued the Indian squad. The omission of deserving players and the inclusion of underperforming ones have raised eyebrows. The Sanju Samson conundrum, the lack of a settled middle-order, and the reluctance to experiment with younger talents have all contributed to selection blunders.
Also Read: Why Sanju Samson Does Not Deserve to Play World Cup 2023: A Closer Look at the Selection Controversy
3. Overlooking Young Talent
One of the most significant blunders has been India’s reluctance to embrace young talent fully. While promising players have emerged on the domestic circuit, the team’s reliance on established names has limited opportunities for newcomers. This lack of fresh blood has hindered India’s ability to build a more balanced and future-ready squad.
4. Middle-Order Conundrum
India’s ongoing middle-order crisis has been a source of concern. Despite trying various combinations and players, the team has failed to solidify this crucial batting position. Frequent changes and experiments have only exacerbated the issue, leading to instability and inconsistency in the middle order.
5. Lack of Adaptation in Big Matches
India’s struggles in crucial matches, especially in ICC tournaments, have been a recurring theme. The team has often found itself outplayed on significant occasions due to a perceived inability to adapt to high-pressure situations. This failure to deliver in crunch moments has resulted in missed opportunities for silverware.
While these blunders have undeniably hindered India’s progress since the 2019 World Cup, it’s important to remember that the cricketing landscape is ever-evolving. As India prepares for the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil, there is hope that the team has learned from these blunders and will make the necessary corrections. While past mistakes cannot be undone, they can serve as valuable lessons for the future. The cricketing world will be watching to see if India can rise above these challenges and reclaim its status as a cricketing powerhouse.