India’s quest for an ICC trophy has been elusive since 2013, leading some fans to label the team as “chokers.” However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri disagrees with this perception. Shastri, a member of the iconic 1983 World Cup-winning squad, believes that the Indian team has been playing good cricket but has faltered when it matters most.
According to Shastri, the key reason behind India’s failures lies in the uneven efforts displayed by the team. While both India and Australia were considered favorites to win all three cups in recent times, the Indian batsmen have failed to deliver on the grand stage, leading to their downfall in ICC events.
Refuting the notion of “chokers,” Shastri stated, “I would not say that. We have been in semi-finals, we have been in finals. We have not got it because when you want to win the big one, you need a combined effort. You cannot blame one individual, one captain.” He emphasized the importance of impactful performances, highlighting the need for centuries in World Cups and the World Test Championship final. Shastri emphasized that a team should aim for at least three half-centuries in any format of the game to deserve victory.
“You need 100s in a World Cup, World Test Championship final. Then you have a good chance of setting it up for the bowlers and winning the trophy. If you do not get a 100, you need at least three 50s, whether it is Test, T20 or one-day cricket. If you have not done that, you do not deserve to win,” he added.
Looking ahead, India finds themselves as the favorites once again in the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, there are hurdles to overcome, as the team hopes for the swift recovery of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah before the marquee tournament.
The Indian team’s aspirations to reclaim ICC glory will require a collective effort and a resilient display of batting prowess. With the likes of Rohit Sharma leading the charge, India aims to address their previous shortcomings and seize the opportunity to lift the prestigious ODI World Cup once again.
Shastri’s words serve as a reminder that winning the ultimate prize in cricket demands consistent performances and contributions from the entire team. As India prepares for the challenge ahead, they will need to overcome obstacles and deliver their best performances on cricket’s grandest stage.
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