Former head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his perspective on India’s shortcomings in knockout matches of ICC tournaments, emphasizing that it is unjust to lay the blame solely on one individual for not winning the coveted trophy. Shastri highlighted that the Indian team displayed commendable performances by reaching the semifinals and finals of various ICC tournaments.
The Men in Blue last clinched an ICC Trophy in 2013, when the team led by MS Dhoni emerged victorious in the Champions Trophy final against England. However, despite making appearances in the semi-finals and finals, India has been unable to secure a title in the past decade. This includes consecutive defeats in the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals.
During an interview with The Week, Ravi Shastri stressed the significance of collective effort from all players in the team to achieve success in ICC tournaments.
“I would not say that. I mean, these two teams that were playing [India and Australia] were the only two teams that had a chance to win all three World Cups. And it is not that we have been rolled over [at World Cups]. We have been in semi-finals, we have been in finals,” Shastri stated.
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He further added, “We have not achieved it because, when you aspire to win the ultimate prize, it requires a collective effort. Blaming one individual or one captain is not the solution.”
Ravi Shastri emphasized the significance of significant contributions from the batsmen in knockout matches, highlighting the collective failure of India’s entire batting lineup in the WTC final against Australia.
“In a World Cup or a World Test Championship final, you need centuries. That sets up the game for the bowlers and gives you a good chance of winning the trophy. If not a century, then at least three half-centuries are needed, whether it’s in Test cricket, T20s, or ODIs. Failing to do so means you don’t deserve to win,” he concluded.
Ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, India will be participating in the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue, led by Rohit Sharma, will be considered strong contenders to break their ICC trophy drought in the World Cup, scheduled to take place from October 5 to November 19 on home soil.