WTC Final - We were not good enough

Yet another loss to New Zealand in an ICC tournament but this didn't sting as much. Probably because we were outplayed the moment we picked two spinners on a green pitch under overcast conditions or was it when Indian batsmen lost their sense of purpose when all they had to do was bat for time on the all important final day. No that's not it, what beat us was our scheduling! We didn't even have a practice match while New Zealand was preparing itself for the WTC Final with a series against England. That's not it too, we picked three guys who hadn't bowled together as a unit for the past one year and left out the in-form Siraj. That's it, that's the reason we lost.

Mace of the champions (Courtesy: Free Press Journal)

The reasons could be many but the fact is we lost to a better side. Through all the rain and numerous interruptions one side never lost its focus and that side won. This is an undeniable fact and unlike the 2019 semi-final we were never close. The way we bowled in the first innings was impressive but our batting in the second innings was inadequate. The top order failures were papered over by lower middle order rearguards in Australia but this was a bridge too far. They say that great teams and great players convince you of their greatness. With every bowl that was bowled, every field change that was affected and every wicket that was worked out, the New Zealand team convinced me of its tenacity and eventually of its greatness.

We were just never really in the conversation once the New Zealand bowlers started hitting their marks. No disappointment here folks coz a worthy champion has been crowned. Everyone who was heartbroken with what transpired in the 2019 World Cup Final needed a balm and what they instead received today was an elixir which will inspire millions and motivate generations of cricketers in the island nation.

You cannot begrudge a winner, all you can do is tip your hat. Kudos New Zealand, well played and well deserved.

Until Next Time,

Your Cricket Analyst,

Chaitanya J.J.

PS: Spare a thought for Ashwin, Pant, Siraj, Sundar and many others who have consistently worked hard to get us this far.

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