WTC Final 2023: In the World Test Championship finale against Australia, a distressing scene unfolded on Day 2. Both Indian batsmen, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill, were dismissed in an eerily identical fashion. Unsettlingly, both dismissals came down to poor shot selection.
Opting to leave the ball proved to be a costly error for both players. The balls, instead of following their anticipated trajectory, darted back in, dismantling the stumps. The crowd gasped as each player returned to the pavilion in dismay.
It was clear that the team management was disappointed. This critical match had become more daunting due to the unfortunate twin dismissals. The repercussions of their poor shot selection in such a high-stakes match reverberated through the team.
Ravi Shastri, the former Indian coach, explained the technical issues with the players’ actions. “That’s leaving it poorly because the front foot has just gone across,” Shastri highlighted. “The ball should have been the target; yet, the decision to play it was left too late.”
The coach further emphasized the vulnerability of the off-stump. “You can see the off-stump exposed when the front foot is still mid-stump. That’s a direction error; it should be going towards the off-stump. Pay attention to that front foot,” Shastri warned.
Furthermore, Shastri explained the miscalculation in the players’ judgment. “The assumption was that the ball was outside the off-stump. Unfortunately, that assumption was wrong. It’s crucial to understand the location of your off-stump.”
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WTC Final 2023: Ravi Shastri talks about the identical dismissal of Pujara and Gill on Day 2
The conversation shifted towards Shubman Gill, who was slightly sluggish in his footwork. Shastri, however, showed understanding of the situation. “He is young, he will learn,” stated Shastri, indicating a learning curve for the player.
For Cheteshwar Pujara, the situation was a bit different. “Pujara will be very disappointed seeing that. His foot should have been further towards the ball, and across the line,” Shastri said. The seasoned player was expected to know better.
Shastri concluded his assessment by reiterating a cricketing golden rule. “Always know where your off-stump is,” he emphasized, hoping his words would resonate with his players. This advice, while simple, can be pivotal to a player’s success on the field.
In conclusion, Day 2 of the World Test Championship finale proved to be an uphill battle for India. Both dismissals were a stern reminder of the importance of good shot selection and footwork. Despite the setback, there remains optimism for the players to learn from their mistakes and bounce back stronger. The beauty of cricket lies in its unpredictability, and one can only hope that Pujara and Gill will return to form in the upcoming innings. Their shot selection and understanding of the off-stump’s position will undoubtedly be under intense scrutiny. The ultimate lesson here is that every decision, no matter how minute, can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
