Mistakes that cost India the semifinal: India suffered a crushing defeat in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2022 against England. They became the first team to lose two games in a T20 World Cup by a margin of 10 wickets. The hopes of watching an India-Pakistan final at the MCG were put to rest as a rampant English side thwarted India’s challenge. India looked cagey on the big day. It was familiar old mistakes that came back to bite India.
We look at the key mistakes that cost India the semifinal:
#1 Lack of wicket-takers in middle overs
India’s powerplay bowlers often always set the game in motion in the World Cup this edition. They made incisive strikes with the new ball. In two games where Indian new ball bowlers failed to pick up early wickets, India was caught off-guard. Rain and a brilliant runout helped India stave off embarrassment against Bangladesh.
But when it came to the semifinals, India had no answers to England’s charge. The spinners looked ineffective both in the powerplay and in the middle overs. They appeared easy fodder for not just English batters but for opponents right through the World Cup.
#2 An impact pacer
India’s pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammad Shami were strictly decent. They lacked intimidation as compared to other teams. Arshdeep Singh bowled beyond his maturity providing the attack some semblance of respect.
The attack otherwise appeared toothless when conditions were not in their favour. There was no bowler in the whole squad who could scare the opposition. India did miss Jasprit Bumrah who could bowl during all phases of the game. But for all its riches, India should have had a more rounded pace attack.
#3 Absence of utility players
India can learn a lesson or two from their semifinal opponent, England. The England team who underwent a sea change post the 2015 World Cup set a solid template. They built a team that had firepower right down to the last member. Adil Rashid who is decent with the bat was supposed to walk in at number 11 in the semifinal. It showed the depth England possessed.
India on the other hand was severely hampered owing to the absence of utility players. They had batters who couldn’t bowl and bowlers who couldn’t bat. It is a worrying trend that has hurt the side on more occasions than once.
#4 The fear of failure
India made tall claims about revamping their approach to T20 batting post the exit from the 2021 T20 World Cup. The side to their credit did play as per the aggressive template. But when they faced quality pace attacks in the Asia Cup and the World Cup, Indian batters appeared timid. There was a clear sign of nerves in the big game.
India appeared caged in its own shell. If not for some pyrotechnics from their middle order, the story in most games would have left fans red-faced. India tried the new method of aggressive batting with the same lineup that played in the last World Cup. It is probably time they tried out personnel who are naturally suited to this sort of batting model.
