The Indian cricket team is encountering an interesting paradox. While the Rahul Dravid-coached side is winning the bilateral tournaments, they are not repeating the same feat in ICC Tournaments.
Interestingly, the last time India won an ICC event was almost a decade ago, during the ICC Champions Trophy. After that, India had multiple chances. They were favourites, coming into the tournaments. But they could not win it. So, what is happening with Team India and ICC Tournaments?
India and issues with team combination
Indian cricket team often tries and tests a little too much, in the run-up to big events. Incidentally, such an approach is also good, as it gives more chances to players. However, it comes at a cost.
https://twitter.com/Ro45Shah/status/1212239079909314561
Tampering with their team combination creates unwanted confusion inside the team. Most of the teams field their eleven before the tournament, to gain match practice. Perhaps it is one area Rohit Sharma’s men can look at.
Injuries and setbacks
In the 2019 ODI World Cup, India lost the services of their star opener, Shikhar Dhawan, after the second match, because of a finger injury. A dashing opener, SD was a major mainstay of the Indian batting lineup. His replacement, KL Rahul, played brilliantly, but Dhawan’s excellent records in ICC tournaments are something that the team missed dearly.
Ravindra Jadeja said “My surgery was successful and there are many people to thank for their support and involvement – BCCI, my teammates, support staff, physios, doctors and the fans. I will start my rehab and try to get back to the field soon as I can”#Jadeja #injury #Cricket pic.twitter.com/F4DrNKgXTk
— IPLnCricket: Everything about Cricket (@IPLnCricket) September 7, 2022
Incidentally, star all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja is going to undergo surgery. Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel are already on the list of injured players. However, it is likely that both return to team India soon. The absence of key players in major tournaments is a big issue. This is because their missing affects the team combination by a great deal.
Dealing with pressure
Of late, the Indian team faltered during high-pressure situations. Interestingly, the last two matches in the Asia Cup are examples of this tendency. ICC 2019 World Cup Semifinal, is one more incident from the recent past. This is an area Rahul Dravid and Co would like to resolve soon.
In 2019,
Against Semi-Final against New Zealand in the World Cup.India was struggling to chase the target!
And here comes Dhoni,
Who tried to win the Semi-Final but in the end!A RUNOUT Broke a Billion hearts💔 pic.twitter.com/ViC5v4Cagx
— Harsh⁶³ (@HarshRo45__) July 7, 2021
Incidentally, the Indian team is not worried about the records. According to skipper Rohit Sharma, the team is prepared for the World Cup. As a result, fans would hope that the team plays to its potential and wins the trophy.
