Despite multiple setbacks in the tournament, former India pacer Zaheer Khan says it is vital for Indian players to find the motivation to achieve well at this critical stage of the T20 World Cup 2021.
Following India’s humiliating eight-wicket loss to New Zealand on Sunday, Khan spoke on Cricbuzz’s post-match show (October 31). When one has to rely on the results of other matches for a place in the semi-final while simultaneously trying to do well in the remaining fixtures, the ex-cricketer said that it becomes quite difficult.
Khan also drew comparisons with India’s 2007 50-over World Cup campaign, in which the squad was eliminated from the group stage. Virat Kohli and his teammates still have a chance to go to the next round of the tournament, but their chances are contingent on a number of external circumstances.
Khan added that he was a member of the Indian team that faced a similar predicament after losing to Bangladesh in their opening match at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.
“When you are in this kind of a scenario, I could only think of that example of 2007’s 50-over world cup in the West Indies. We lost that first game and after that you know the whole sort of permutation combinations and just a miracle which you are hoping for which will get us through and control the thing which is in your hand which is to to go out there and put up your best show.” he said
“You know you are you are one of the better teams and you just have faltered in the first couple of games. But you have to somehow find that inspiration that motivation you’re still representing your country at the highest level.” Khan added
Virat Kohli
The Virat Kohli-led team failed to create an impact in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021, losing a one-sided match for the second time in the global event. The star-studded Indian batting order was overrun by the Kiwi bowling assault, who restricted them to a sub-par score of 110.
New Zealand then easily knocked down the target with eight wickets in hand to secure a resounding victory. India, on the other hand, is still looking for their first win and is now in the penultimate position in Group 2’s points standings.
While many believe India would do well in the tournament, Zaheer Khan believes their batting unit has let them down. By placing an imposing total on the board, the 2011 ODI World Cup winner put emphasis on constructing a platform for the bowlers.
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