India has very talented players but they fail to demonstrate a fearless brand of cricket in ICC tournaments, says cricketer-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain on the team’s early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup. 

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In conversation with t20worldcup.com, the former England captain said the idea of changing the opening pair against New Zealand was not a good one. India brought Ishan Kishan in place of Suryakumar Yadav and the left-handed batsman opened the innings with KL Rahul. Rohit Sharma was pulled down to number three in the batting order.

“I see India as a very talented side but Hardik Pandya just playing as a batsman alters the balance of the side. Against New Zealand, the idea to split Rohit and Rahul was not a good one,” Hussain said.

Before the start of the tournament, team India was considered favourites to win this World Cup. But the way India’s campaign unfolded, the team did not play the brand of cricket they are known for.  

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“You
have got to go out and express yourself. India has got so much talent. That may
be the only thing that’s holding India back in ICC events. They don’t quite
play the fearless brand of cricket that they deserve to because they are so
talented,” said Hussain.

Further,
Nasser admitted that the10 wickets loss against Pakistan was a big setback for
India.

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“I had
them as favorites. They had been playing IPL here, are a star-studded side.
They got a setback in that first game. The way Shaheen Afridi bowled in the
powerplay, those two deliveries that Rohit and Rahul got would have got a lot
of great cricketers out. That’s sometimes the problem with the Indian side.
They are so good at the top, some of the middle-order don’t get much of a hit
and suddenly you need a Plan B and that was found wanting,” he added.

India failed
to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup after New Zealand beat
Afghanistan on Sunday. The Men in Blue will play their last match of Super-12 round against
Namibia on Monday.