Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar has pointed out that the Indian team needs to work on its batting and fielding after the country crashed out of the ICC T20 World Cup, failing to qualify for the semi-finals with crushing defeats to New Zealand and Pakistan. 

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India finished in third place in the group table, having won three out of five matches by defeating Namibia, Scotland and Afghanistan.

Speaking to Sports Tak, Gavaskar said the side needed to work on its batting approach for better results. “Making too many changes in a team isn’t right, because it’s not like India lost all its matches. In two matches, the batsmen could not deliver what was expected of them and that is the reason that India is in such a state. The approach needs to change.”

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Pointing out slippages in fielding, Gavaskar added, “The fact that in the first six overs, there are only two fielders outside the 30-yard-circle, India haven’t taken advantage of this in the last few ICC tournaments. Which is why, whenever India are up against a strong team, one that has good bowlers, India cannot score. That too needs to change.”

The former cricketer is of the opinion that the Indian team has a few outstanding fielders as opposed to sides like New Zealand that put on an excellent display of fielding in every match.

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“The way New Zealand fielded, saved runs, took catches, it stood out. Even if the attack is ordinary, the pitch placid, good fielding can make a lot of difference. If you look at the Indian team, except three or four outstanding fielders, you can’t depend on the rest to save runs or dive at the boundary,” Gavaskar said.

India will face New Zealand for a three-match T20 International series set to commence on November 17.