The unbeaten Indian side did not seem to be trying to win the match after being set a target of 338 by the hosts
01 July, 2019
PHOTO: AFP
Ex-cricketers were baffled by India’s tame surrender against England on Sunday. The unbeaten Indian side did not seem to be trying to win the match after being set a target of 338 by the hosts.
Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, through twitter, claimed that India’s display against the hosts amounted to bad sportsmanship.
“It’s not who you are. What you do in life defines who you are. I am not bothered if Pakistan gets to the semis or not but one thing is for sure. Sportsmanship of few Champions got tested and they failed badly,” he tweeted.
Commentators were equally baffled by India’s strategy in the last five overs when India required big shots to win the match. Former England captain Nasser Hussain was left wondering why India did not try to win the match.
"I am completely baffled. What’s going on! This is not what India needed. They need runs. What are they doing? Some Indian fans are leaving now. Surely they must want to see Dhoni go for his shots, even if he slogs it off in the air,” said Hussain during the last 10 overs of India's chase. “It's a World Cup game, top two sides, give it a go! Indian fans would want their side to do a little bit more. They want their side to go down with a fight. Risk it to win it."
It's not who you are.. What you do in life defines who you are.. Me not bothered if Pakistan gets to the semis or not but one thing is for sure.. Sportsmanship of few Champions got tested and they failed badly #INDvsEND #CWC2019
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) June 30, 2019
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly stated that he could not explain India’s tactics and believed they should have shown a desire to chase down the target.
"I don't have an explanation for that. You asked me the question but I can't explain these singles. It's also the length and the bounce that has deceived the Indian batsmen. You can't be chasing 338 and still have 5 wickets in the end. It's about mindset and the way you look at the game,” said Ganguly. “The message had to be clear: no matter where it comes and no matter where the ball lands you have to find the boundary. A dot ball at this stage!"
Ganguly pointed out that the start and end of India’s innings left a lot to be desired. He believed that India will have to reflect on their performance and perform better if they want to succeed in this World Cup.
"The first 10 overs and the last 6 overs left a lot to be desired. Hopefully, they will go back and reflect because they have been in excellent form this WC. The intent was not good enough. I would have been happier if India were 300 all-out. This situation can happen again and they will have to find different ways to succeed in the first and last 10 overs," he concluded.
