T20 World Cup: After loss vs Kiwis, experts say title ‘a distant dream’ for India

The Indian cricket team on Sunday conceded their second straight loss in the T20 World Cup. Against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand, Virat Kohli and co lost by eight wickets and now look at a possible tournament exit. 

The men in blue will need to win all their remaining matches while hoping that other results go their way to keep their semifinal prospects alive. However, experts and former cricketers believe that India, who started their World Cup campaign favourites, might be knocked out of the tournament already. 

Also read: T20 World Cup: Road ahead for India after defeat to New Zealand

“India should take a leaf out of all other countries … Allow their players to play in other leagues around the World to gain experience … #India #T20WorldCup,” former English skipper Micheal Vaughan tweeted. 

Indian batting legend VVS Laxman said that with India’s net run rate also taking a beating, a semifinal spot looks a distant dream.

Also read: T20 World Cup: In terms of boundaries, India clocks unwanted record vs NZ

“This defeat should hurt Team India. Tentative with the bat, their shot selection was questionable. New Zealand bowled superbly, but India made their task easier. With their net run rate also taking a beating, a semifinal spot looks a distant dream #INDvNZ #T20WorldCup,” VVS tweeted. 

While former India opener Wasim Jaffer reacted with a broken heart emoji, Pakistani legend Shoaib Akhtar said that the Indian team looked ‘clueless’ against the Kiwis. 

“Very disappointing from India. NZ were amazing. India’s body language wasn’t great, poor shot selection & like few times in the past, New Zealand have virtually ensured we won’t make it to the next stage. This one will hurt India & time for some serious introspection #IndvsNZ,” Virender Sehwag tweeted. 

Kohli’s men would now need Afghanistan to beat New Zealand and win their remaining three fixtures against Scotland, Namibia and the Afghanistan to stand a chance to qualify for the next stage. 

Against New Zealand, India could only manage a below-par 110 for seven in the match that saw the Kiwis chase down the target with 33 balls to spare. Opener Daryl Mitchell top-scored for New Zealand with 49 off 35 balls, while skipper Kane Williamson made an unbeaten 33.

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

Sent into bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, India lost wickets at regular intervals and struggled to pose any serious threat to a disciplined Kiwi attack.

Leg-break bowler Ish Sodhi and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner returned exceptional figures of 2/17 and 0/15 from their respective quota of four overs each.

Pace spearhead Trent Boult picked up three wickets for 20, leading the way by example.