As their abysmal run in global events continues, Indian cricket needs to have a long look at itself and then take some tough decisions
As their abysmal run in global events continues, Indian cricket needs to have a long look at itself and then take some tough decisionsA lack of urgency in a game that had to be won and won well was symptomatic of the Indian team's tournament. They made selection blunders, tactically were questionable and in the actual skills of the game were lacking at crucial times.
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| A disappointed Vinay Kumar looks on as Chamara Kapugedera powers Sri Lanka home with a 16-ball, unbeaten 37 during the ICC World Twenty20 Super Eight match at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, St Lucia yesterday. PIC/AFP |
This poor form continued an abysmal run in ICC events apart from the win in the 2007 World T20 tournament. Their early departure was even more disappointing after India had shown such good form to down South Africa in the first round. Indian cricket needs to have a long look in the mirror and then take some tough decisions.
Chamara Kapugedera produced a mighty blow off the final ball of a nail-biting contest to defy the odds and thwart India's belated attempt to prolong their tournament.
Top chaseNo side had chased down a target in excess of 160 in the tournament until Kapugedera sent the white ball flying over cover and way over the boundary. The match became a tale of the last five overs; India scored only 37 while Sri Lanka sprinted to the line with 60 in the same period.
Suresh Raina enjoyed his return to Beausejour and celebrated with a half-century. On the ground where he scored a brilliant century against the South African attack, the elegant left-hander looked comfortable on the slower, lower bouncing pitch. Early on, he received a bouncer from the lively Lasith Malinga and the delivery took an age to reach the batsman after pitching.
Raina formed a solid liaison with fellow left-hander Gautam Gambhir and needing to win by a good margin they maintained a highly acceptable run rate of nine an over. Trying to win by a wide margin is often a difficult high wire act to achieve; many a team has faltered badly in trying to post a large total. However, the two lefties ensured this wouldn't happen by scoring quickly and keeping their wickets in tact.
Poor finishThis partnership ensured that India achieved their first aim; setting a target in excess of 160 in this tournament has been a guaranteed recipe for success. However, the Sri Lankans did well to drag the Indian total back from what looked likely to be at least a 180 total.
The Indians made a great start with the ball, taking a wicket in each of the first two overs but despite these twin successes it didn't perk up the fielding. The ground work was sloppy with a few fumbles and runs conceded, mirroring the running between wickets early in the innings when a lethargic Gambhir cost his side runs that would turn out to be critical in their attempt to advance.
