The Indian cricket fans are nursing their wounds once again. Their beloved team has failed to deliver in the knockouts of an International Cricket Council (ICC) event. The World Test Championship (WTC) final witnessed India faltering for the second consecutive time. Australia, under the strong leadership of Pat Cummins, claimed a massive 209-run victory, leaving the Indian fans heartbroken.
On Day 1, the Indian bowlers struggled to make inroads into the Australian line-up. Australia posted a daunting total of 327 for just three wickets. A scintillating century from Travis Head and an unbeaten knock of 95 from Steve Smith put the Aussies in a commanding position. India’s in-form pace duo, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, found the greenish track challenging, failing to impress.
However, Day 2 marked a change in the narrative. India succeeded in restricting Australia, turning 361/3 into 469 all out. But the damage was done. Australia’s strong position on Day 1 had already given them an edge.
Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly weighed in on India’s lacklustre performance. According to him, the lack of intent with the ball on Day 1 allowed Australia to surge ahead. He conveyed his analysis during a conversation with Sports Tak.
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Sourav Ganguly talks about India’s shortcomings in the WTC 2023 Final
Ganguly observed that the Indian bowling unit showed a stark change in the first session of Day 2. He highlighted how Mohammad Siraj’s aggressive throw towards Steve Smith seemed to awaken the team. Suddenly, India’s bowling took a different, more determined turn from both ends. But Ganguly lamented that this kind of intent was conspicuously missing on the first day.
The WTC final once again stirred a familiar narrative for Indian fans. Despite the team’s consistent performance, they were let down in the knockout stage. It’s a disappointing pattern that the fans have sadly become accustomed to.
In retrospect, India’s inability to strike early against Australia on Day 1 was a significant factor in their loss. However, it’s also a reminder of the unpredictability and the high stakes of cricket, especially in crucial ICC events.
In conclusion, the WTC final served as a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in the knockout stages of ICC events. The team’s failure to seize critical moments in the match contributed to their defeat. As the dust settles, the fans and the team alike must regroup, learn from this experience, and focus on the future battles to be fought on the cricket pitch.
