The echoes of India’s unexpected setback in the grand finale of a major cricket tournament against Australia have barely faded when former head coach Ravi Shastri confidently endorsed India as formidable contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Just over a week ago, Australia secured a comfortable victory in Ahmedabad, defeating a hitherto undefeated India over ten matches in a contest that culminated in heartbreak for the host nation’s passionate cricket adherents.
“Nothing comes easy—even the great man Sachin Tendulkar had to wait (for) six World Cups to win one. You don’t win (a) World Cup (easily), to win a World Cup you have got to be damn good on that big day,” Shastri emphasized during the Indian Street Premier League registration event.
The former India captain stressed the significance of performing when it counts the most, noting that the format of the tournament suggests that early matches, while crucial, are not decisive. It is the ability to rise to the occasion during the semi-finals and finals that ultimately defines a champion.
“They lost the first two, but on the D-day, the two days, they did,” Shastri remarked, reflecting on Australia’s impressive comeback to clinch a record sixth title in the 50-overs World Cup.
Shastri’s faith in India’s chances predominantly rests upon the emergence of a core group of young talent that stands poised to make an impact in the T20 World Cup to be played in the Caribbean and the USA, starting June 4, next year.
“It was heartbreaking, but (a) lot of our guys will learn. The game moves on, (and) I see India winning a World Cup very soon,” he predicted. While Shastri expressed that building a team for a 50-overs tournament might prove more challenging, he was optimistic about the T20 format, indicating India’s readiness to challenge for the cup due to the current team’s core strength.
Much of Shastri’s optimism can be traced back to India’s overall performance throughout the competition, which he described as “fabulous”. However, he didn’t mask his disappointment at India not securing the title, particularly given their standing as the strongest team.
“What hurts is from the outside, that we could not win the cup because we were the strongest team,” Shastri confessed, reflecting the sentiments shared by countless fans.
He lauded the Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami’s haul of 24 wickets, for giving India their “best chance”. Their formidable performance, particularly in the mid-stages of the tournament, suggested that they had a genuine shot at the title.
As India continues to process the outcome and regroup for the challenges ahead, Shastri’s words serve as both a consolation and a clarion call for a nation that fervently follows its cricket team.
With such an endorsement from a respected former coach and player, the anticipation will undoubtedly build as we approach the next T20 World Cup. India, along with other top cricketing nations, will soon set their sights on the Caribbean and the USA, with aspirations of lifting the prestigious trophy. For now, fans and players alike are urged to rally behind the team and set their focus on the future conquests that lie ahead.
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