Fans blame IPL, packed schedule for India’s lackluster show in T20 WC

Soon after New Zealand defeated India in the Super 12 game of the T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday, #BanIPL started trending on social media. There are several factors that contributed to the trend. For one, Twitter users and former English skipper Michael Vaughan said that Indian players need to start participating in other leagues other than the Indian Premier League (IPL). Some also described the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL as arrogant.

Also read: Game has moved on: Michael Vaughan slams India’s performance vs New Zealand

India’s loss came as a shocker to many fans. Virat Kohli and company started the tournament as favourites and after facing two losses in as many games are on verge of a Super 12 exit. The men in blue now need to win all their games and hope that New Zealand lose two out of their three matches, in order to make it to the semifinals. Arch-rivals Pakistan sit on top of the points table and have almost qualified for the next stage. Afghanistan have also registered two wins in three matches. New Zealand opened their account with a win over India.

  Also read: T20 World Cup: India were not brave enough today, says captain Virat Kohli

Against the Kiwis, India managed to get to n under-par 110 runs. The big names in the batting line-up – Virat Kohli (9), Rohit Sharma (14), KL Rahul (18) and Rishabh Pant (12) – failed miserably. Batting second, the Kiwis chased the target with eight wickets and 33 balls to spare.

  Also read: T20 World Cup 2021: Talking points after India’s loss against New Zealand

Fans, amongst other factors, attributed the loss to IPL. The T20 World Cup started less than a week after the cash-rich domestic competition ended. India’s lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah spoke about the bio-bubble fatigue after the loss to which social media users said that the BCCI ‘needs to look into tour management beyond money alone’.

“This is what non-stop cricket leads to. England series and within a week IPL and then again T-20 WC within 2 days. All while being in bio bubble. The players are totally exhausted and have no motivation. BCCI needs to look into tour management beyond money alone,” a Twitter user wrote. 

  Also read: How India can still qualify for T20 World Cup 2021 semifinals

“Let @BCCI Continue doing their own IPL shyIPL let us build a national cricket team under sports ministry involve form a new board when it comes to INDIA. Let us treat cricket as any other sports. @PMOIndia @rashtrapatibhvn #BanIPL,” another one wrote. 

Interestingly, Pakistani players, who don’t participate in the IPL, have been doing well in the T20 World Cup. The team leads the points table with two wins in as many games. 

Virat Kohli and company are set to play Afghanistan on Wednesday.