3 Reasons why India lost T20 World Cup final

India put up one of their worst big match performances in recent memory as they crashed to a stunning defeat in the T20 World Cup final. The loss also put paid to their hopes of becoming the only cricket nation to hold all three World titles at the same time. Losing the finals was one thing; however, the most disappointing part was the way MS Dhoni’s team lost: without any resistance, almost like a surrender to the enemy. Let us try to zero in on the major factors behind this drubbing, and draw some lessons for the future.

#1 Tactical errors

The Men in Blue made some tactical errors that cost them big. When the second Indian wicket fell, either Suresh Raina or Dhoni should have been sent in. Dhoni has himself been one of Indias greatest performers in limited overs cricket in the last decade; his capabilities were never really utilized in the finals.

Instead, Dhoni gambled with Yuvraj who was struggling a bit in the tournament, especially against spinners. With one of the best spin bowling attacks in the tournament, the Lankans stifled Yuvraj and never let him take off.

Also, preferring Mohit Sharma, who hardly did anything of note in the semi-finals against South Africa, ahead of Mohammed Shami was another mistake.

#2 Sri Lankas determination

Right from the beginning of the match, Sri Lankan players looked very intense and business-minded. There was a certain steeliness in their eyes, which showed how determined they were to overturn their 4-match losing streak in finals of World Cups.

Everything about them - the way they fielded, their body language - showed a desperation to avoid defeat at all costs. Everything worked like a well-oiled machine.

They wanted it more on the day, whereas Indians, on the other hand, were gingerly and soft bellied.

#3 Yuvraj Singh, the hero who turned villain

In cricket, as in any sphere of life, change is the only permanent thing. Yuvraj, who has been one of the biggest heroes in world tournaments for India, produced arguably his worst ever T20 performance at the biggest stage. He looked completely out of sorts in his 21-ball essay and single-handedly stopped India from gaining any momentum in the final overs.

He struggled both against pace and spin and even robbed Virat Kohli of the strike, when the later was finding his touch after blasting Nuwan Kulasekara to all parts of the ground and could have easily carried on to set a winning total. There was a great outrage on Twitter and social media against Yuvraj after his knock. Vikram Chandra, the CEO of the NDTV group, tweeted after the match: This is one of the worst T20 innings I have ever seen. #yuvraj.

Sri Lanka must send him a few champagne bottles and a Christmas card; after all, he has gifted them the World Cup.

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Edited by Staff Editor