Indian fans burn a poster of Indian cricket team members as they react to India’s defeat in the ICC cricket world cup semi-final match against Australia
(facepalm)
Prayers of billions, 70% of stadium filled with supporters, girlfriend’s presence – Nothing worked this time and Team India lost to Australia in the World Cup Semi. A crystal clear display of skill and performance, it was a No Mercy attack from the Australian end and India easily succumbed to the spell. Although a plus-300 score on the door was a pressure, they knew it was no walk-in-the-park right from the beginning. It was Australia on the Australian grounds! What else did they expect?
India started off well. A 75+ run before the first 15 overs without the loss of any wicket is always considered the perfect start for any team. Hence, we can say that the openers did their job. Although Shikar got dismissed at a time when they could have created a pressure on the bowlers, we had our hopes high with Kohli. He’s one batsman who strongly contributes when he’s expected, especially in the case of Australia. And, so he comes, plays two overs, scores a single run, gets caught on the 13th.
A twitter follow-up:
A Twitterati’s reaction after Kohli flops in the semifinals
I will truly believe if someone says that this was the reason Virat got out. Short of a length ball on the middle, it was a ball that was meant to be ducked. But, our braveheart Virat goes for a pull shot. He mistimes it completely and the ball goes up in the air only to come back on the gloves of the wicket keeper Haddin. I wonder why Virat waited to see whether Haddin will catch it or not. Haddin would not have dropped it even if it was a cannon ball.
Virat Kohli of India looks dejected as he leaves the field after defeat during the 2015 Cricket World Cup
After that started something that we are particularly infamous for – failing under pressure. Apart from Dhoni, not even a single batsman of the team scored a half century and India was wrapped up at 232 all out, short by 95 runs, and 3.1 overs to spare.
And, now the blame game?
Who to blame for the loss? Bowlers chipped in well, so can’t complain about them. Here is my list:
Kohli – He came when there was no pressure. All he needed was to keep the momentum created by the openers. However, he gears up and plays a risky shot. Gets caught and well-punished. I remember when he scored a magnificent 107 against arch-rivals Pakistan. That was the first and last time when he ever proved himself useful in the entire tournament. (I might be wrong here folks, but I know you won’t bother to correct me). Therefore, in my list, he’s at the top.
Dhoni – Not all the time the Left-Hander:Right Hander batting combination works. I strongly think he should have come when the 4th wicket was down. The way he played today evidently describes that he might have brought things under control. Had he been there along with Rahane instead of Raina, the story would have been something different.
Raina – Little to blame this guy. He came when there was a lot of pressure. Not that he is not apt to it, but – semi final, world cup, 329, Australia – the pressure to bear all that was just too great. Still, he could have tried a bit hard.
Well, we all knew this was not easy. But, the way India performed – 70 wickets in 7 matches, that too in a world cup and winning every other goddamn match – things were looking pretty good. They made everyone believe the unbelievable. And, then, the wickets started falling!
India lost and lost big time. It was a game of nerves and the side with the strong ones prevailed. We have nothing left but to shed a few tears and wait for the next 4 years. 4 years! Even Dhoni said he was “not sure” whether he will be there till 2019. This was the only opportunity for India to show the Kiwis that they are not the only team who could dominate in the world of cricket and its gone now.
Well, we have the final that many predicted. The two co-hosts will face each other on Sunday, the 29th, for their final showdown.