I know, everyone knows India lost to South Africa on Sunday. The whole nation was sad and a bit frustrated I guess.But was this defeat really something that will hamper India’s chances? Nah, I feel it was a blessing in disguise..
India has been failing in the 2nd innings of the game right from the start of the world cup, be it defending or chasing. I don’t agree that our batting is very strong and bowling is too weak, had that been the case no.7 shouldn’t have walked in against either Ireland or Netherlands when the target in both the cases was pretty modest. So it is not the case of batting doing the job and bowling department failing at it, it is the case of starting the game well but not being able to finish it.
Against England, India lost the last few wickets quickly and couldn’t bat the whole 50 overs.. Again yesterday, it was the same thing repeating, everyone going for big shots, no one looking to hold out and bat through.. Result of this attitude, 9 wickets in 29 runs and I feel this was the thing that cost us the match and not Nehra’s last over.Questions were raised over whats happening after the tie against England, but they will be raised more boldly after the defeat against SA and I feel they will be answered this time around.
One more thing that the whole nation needs to understand is it has to be more about the cup than about the records, it has to be more about the team than the master blaster, it has to be more about the win than the century count.I wonder what will happen if Sachin scores his 50th ODI ton in a knockout game and still India loses, will we mourn the exit or celebrate the 50th ODI ton?
