Gambhir and Akram blast on WC move | Rohit’s World Cup action
The recently concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 saw India, the host country and outright favorites, suffer a shocking defeat against Australia in the final. Despite a dominant performance throughout the tournament, India faltered when it mattered the most, losing the title decider by six wickets. The unexpected loss has prompted experts and fans alike to analyze the game and identify the reasons behind India’s defeat.
The Unforeseen Move
One particular move made by captain Rohit Sharma in the final has come under scrutiny. After the dismissal of Virat Kohli, explosive batsman Suryakumar Yadav was expected to take the crease at number 6. However, the team management surprised everyone by promoting Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Yadav, who was demoted to number 7. This decision raised eyebrows and invited criticism from former cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Akram.
Gambhir and Akram’s Perspective
Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and a World Cup winner, expressed his confusion over the demotion of Suryakumar Yadav. He questioned the team management’s decision to send Jadeja ahead of Yadav, stating that it was not the right call. Gambhir emphasized that Yadav was playing as a specialist batsman and should have been given the opportunity to play his natural aggressive cricket at number 6. He also highlighted the impact of the batting order on a player’s mindset, suggesting that Yadav’s approach might have been different if he knew that Jadeja was waiting to bat next.
Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan captain and one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers in history, echoed Gambhir’s sentiments. Akram pointed out that Yadav was playing purely as a batter and that he could have understood the decision if Hardik Pandya had been in the lineup. Akram’s comment suggests that the team management’s move to promote Jadeja was influenced by the absence of Pandya, who is known for his explosive batting abilities.
Lack of Confidence in Yadav?
Gambhir raised an important question about the team management’s confidence in Suryakumar Yadav as a number 6 batsman in ODI cricket. He wondered if the decision to demote Yadav indicated a lack of faith in his abilities. Gambhir argued that sending Yadav in at number 6 would have allowed him to play his natural game, knowing that Jadeja was still to follow. He further suggested that if the team was not confident in Yadav’s ability to perform at number 6, they should have selected someone else for the crucial position.
The Impact of Playing With the Tail
Gambhir also highlighted the psychological impact of playing with the tail-end batsmen. He explained that knowing the next batsmen in line were bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj, and Kuldeep, Yadav might have felt the pressure to adopt a defensive approach. However, if he had known that Jadeja would be coming in next, his mindset would have been different, allowing him to play more aggressively.
Expert Analysis and Alternative Perspectives
This criticism from Gambhir and Akram adds another perspective to the analysis of India’s defeat in the World Cup final. While other experts have focused on factors like the choice of pitch and the slow partnership between Rahul and Kohli, Gambhir and Akram shed light on the impact of the batting order and the team management’s decision-making.
It is important to note that cricket is a game of uncertainties, and hindsight analysis often provides alternative viewpoints. However, the criticism from these experienced cricketers raises valid questions about the decision-making process and the confidence in players like Suryakumar Yadav.
Conclusion
The World Cup final between India and Australia witnessed a surprising defeat for the host country. While there are multiple factors that contributed to India’s loss, the decision to demote Suryakumar Yadav to number 7 has drawn criticism from Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Akram. Their analysis suggests that the team management’s move to promote Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Yadav impacted the team’s batting approach and mindset.
Criticism and analysis from former cricketers play a vital role in understanding the dynamics of the game and evaluating the decision-making of teams. The World Cup final defeat serves as a reminder that even the favorites can falter, and the outcome of a match is determined by various factors that are often subject to scrutiny and debate.
As cricket enthusiasts, it is essential to acknowledge the opinions of experts and evaluate the game from different angles. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the sport and encourages healthy discussions among fans and analysts alike.
The big question then becomes who will bat fifth. If Suryakumar Yadav is in your starting XI, I would bat him at 6-7. “Jadeja can bat at No. 5, Hardik at No. 6, and Suryakumar can bat as the finisher in the final 15-20 overs,” he added.