The Indian cricket team got off to a disappointing start in the 3-match T20I series as they were defeated by 4 wickets in the series opener by Australia in Mohali on Tuesday. Despite putting up a strong total of 208 runs on the scoreboard, the Indian cricket team ended up on the losing end of the high-scoring clash.
Apart from some pedestrian bowling, the Indian pace attack let them down as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the returning Harshal Patel turned out to be mighty expensive with both of them giving away 101 runs from eight overs. India’s lackluster fielding, which saw them drop three crucial catches, also turned out to be a major disappointment.
Meanwhile, the poor fielding performance of the Indian players fetched them heavy criticism from none other than Ravi Shastri. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri, who is now back in the commentary box, was critical of India’s efforts in the field, saying they were lacking “brilliance” in the absence of the injured Ravindra Jadeja. Shastri was left shocked at the quality of fielding, calling it sloppy. He pointed out that something drastic needs to change if India wants to beat top teams moving forward. He said:
“If you look at all the top Indian teams over the years, there is youth and experience. I find the youth missing here and hence the fielding. If you look at the last five-six years, fielding wise, I think this side is no match to any of the top sides when it comes to fielding. And that can hit badly in big tournaments. It means that as a batting side you have to get that 15-20 runs game after game, because if you look around the field, where is brilliance? There is no Jadeja. Where is that X-factor?” Shastri said on air during the 1st T20I.
He added: “What I was disappointed today with was the standard of fielding. I mean, it looks sloppy and I think you need a big upping of the ante when it comes to the fielding if you have to beat big sides in big competitions,”
