T20 World Cup: Nasser Hussain unhappy with India’s continuous tinkering of playing XI: Former England skipper Nasser Hussain looked quite displeased at Indian team management’s decision to split the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul against their Super 12 game against New Zealand.
He also cited it as one of the reasons along with lack of “fearless” brand of cricket by India in ICC events, absence of an alternate plan, and selection issues for the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.
India paid the price for losing back-to-back games against Pakistan and New Zealand early on as Virat Kohli and his men failed to reach the semifinals of the showpiece event.
T20 World Cup: Nasser Hussain slams Virat Kohli & Co for lack of Plan B, says ‘They never play fearless cricket in ICC events’
Hussain pointed out that splitting Rahul and Rohit was never a good idea and also added that playing all-rounder Hardik Pandya only as a batter affected the balance of the side.
“I see India as a very talented side but sometimes selection wise Hardik Pandya just playing as a batter alters the balance of the side. Against New Zealand, the idea to split Rohit and Rahul was not a good one,” he said.
“…I am never splitting Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, sorry they are just world-class players.”
Young Ishan Kishan opened the innings with KL Rahul against New Zealand, while Rohit Sharma batted at number 3.
T20 World Cup: Nasser Hussain slams Virat Kohli & Co for lack of Plan B, says ‘They never play fearless cricket in ICC events’
“You have got to go out and express yourself. They (India) have got so much talent. That may be the only thing that’s holding India back in ICC events,” Hussain said while speaking to t20worldcup.com.
“They don’t quite play the fearless brand of cricket that they deserve to because they are so talented.”
Former champions India had suffered a 10-wicket loss to Pakistan in their opening match before going down by 8 wickets to New Zealand in the next match.
“I had them (India) as favourites. They had been playing IPL here, are a star-studded side. They got a setback in that first game. The way Shaheen Afridi bowled in the powerplay, those two deliveries that Rohit and Rahul got would have got a lot of great cricketers out.
“That’s sometimes the problem with the Indian side. They are so good at the top, some of the middle-order don’t get much of a hit and suddenly you need a Plan B and that was found wanting.”
T20 World Cup: Nasser Hussain slams Virat Kohli & Co for lack of Plan B, says ‘They never play fearless cricket in ICC events’
T20 World Cup: Simon Doull points out flaws in India’s strategies: Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull said India couldn’t produce their best from the start of the tournament.
“India had to be at their best from the start and they weren’t. Having been in these conditions for the last month and a half, you might have thought they’d adapted better.
“But you can’t take away anything from Pakistan. They were brilliant. India slipped and then New Zealand were outstanding,” Doull said.
“If you are below your best against top-quality sides you’ll get found out and they were.”
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