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India record in ICC knockout matches since 2013

Charbel Coorey
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India record in ICC knockout matches since 2013

Cricket News: India record in ICC knockout matches since 2013 | When is the last time Team India won an ICC trophy?

The Indian men’s team’s ten-year long wait for an ICC trophy continued after comprehensively losing the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval. It was yet another missed opportunity for India in an ICC knockout match, with team selections and execution hurting them badly in London.

India, who often dominate bilateral series, have no issue reaching the big matches at ICC tournaments. They almost always do. However, their pattern of stumbling on the biggest stage can be difficult to explain given their significant talent pool and financial might.

India’s missed opportunities in ICC knockout matches since Champions Trophy in 2013

Three wins out of 11 is an inexplicable record after winning seven in a row between 2007 and 2013. Here is a deeper dive at India’s record since winning the Champions Trophy back in 2013, looking back at their missed opportunities as each ICC event.

2014 T20 World Cup – loss vs Sri Lanka in the final

Cricket News: India record in ICC knockout matches since 2013 | When is the last time Team India won an ICC trophy?
India record in ICC knockout matches since 2013: Kumar Sangakkara led Sri Lanka to victory in 2014.

Yuvraj Singh, who was a monster in white-ball cricket for India, struggled in the T20 World Cup final against Sri Lanka in Dhaka. His 21-ball 11 stifled India’s progress, with Virat Kohli unable to generate any meaningful momentum despite scoring 77 off 58 balls.

In response to India’s 130, Sri Lanka cruised to the target with 13 balls to spare courtesy mainly of Kumar Sangakkara’s glorious 52* off 35 balls. In the process, the Lions overcame their own set of near misses after losing the 2003 ODI World Cup semi final, 2007 ODI World Cup final, 2009 T20 World Cup final, 2010 T20 World Cup semi final and 2011 ODI World Cup final.

2015 ODI World Cup – loss vs Australia in the semi-final

India beat Bangladesh in the quarter final of the 2015 ODI World Cup. They then ran into a red-hot Australia team at the SCG, where Steve Smith hit 105 off 93 balls in a total of 328/7.

Despite a promising start by Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, India were never in the contest, eventually falling short by 95 runs.

2016 T20 World Cup – loss vs West Indies in the semi-final

India were expected to win the 2016 T20 World Cup on home soil. A score of 192 in the semi final against West Indies seemed enough, but Lendl Simmons (82* off 51 balls), Johnson Charles (52 off 36 balls) and Andre Russell (43* off 20 balls) had other ideas in a show of T20 excellence at the Wankhede.

Kohli’s second half-century in a T20 World Cup knockout match was not enough to secure victory, with all of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Hardik Pandya conceding over ten runs per over.

2017 Champions Trophy – loss vs Pakistan in the final

Cricket News: India record in ICC knockout matches since 2013 | When is the last time Team India won an ICC trophy?
India record in ICC knockout matches since 2013: Mohammad Amir was magnificent in the 2017 CT Final

India thumped Bangladesh in the 2017 Champions Trophy semi-final, setting up a dream clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. However, all that went right for India on that day was winning the toss.

After sending Pakistan in, Fakhar Zaman (114) was the main architect of a dominant batting display where the men in green finished with 338/4. India’s strong batting lineup and magnificent conditions meant there was always hope, but Mohammad Amir ripped through the top order, dismissing Rohit, Shikhar and Virat within nine overs.

India eventually lost by 180 runs, with Hardik Pandya’s 43-ball 76 making up nearly half their total of 158.

2019 ODI World Cup – loss vs New Zealand in the semi-final

Another ICC event, another heartbreak. Martin Guptill was the most disliked man in India after running MS Dhoni out and ending hopes of another MSD special. The New Zealand attack ripped through India’s top order after mustering 239 themselves, with the Black Caps winning on the reserve day.

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were all dismissed for one run. Dhoni (50) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) had the nation believing, but it was another near miss in the end.

2021 World Test Championship – loss vs New Zealand in the final

New Zealand again. This time in the World Test Championship. Rain played spoilsport throughout the Test, with the Black Caps’ more well-rounded attack for the conditions delivering the goods.

Trailing by just 32 after the first innings, India could only manage 170 second time around with the game there to be won. After R Ashwin gave India hope by dismissing both openers before the score reached 50, New Zealand legends Kane Williamson (52*) and Ross Taylor (47*) slammed the door shut.

2022 T20 World Cup – loss vs England in the semi-final

The highly-anticipated semi-final turned to out to be a beating of epic proportions. India began their innings slowly, with Hardik Pandya then taking them to 168. It was nowhere near enough, with Jos Buttler (80*) and Alex Hales (86*) taking the Indian attack to all parts of the Adelaide Oval.

The defeat sparked widespread disappointment from an Indian perspective. A slow start with the bat and lack of penetration with the ball brought back haunted memories of previous ICC knockout matches, extending the wait for a trophy even further.

2023 World Test Championship – loss vs Australia in the final

In 2021, India had their chances to win the WTC Final against New Zealand. In 2023, they were pretty much out of it after the first day.

After opting to bowl without R Ashwin in the team, India put all their eggs in the one basket instead of picking an XI for the entire five days. Steve Smith and Travis Head dominated a struggling attack, before Scott Boland and the Australians plugged away against an Indian batting lineup that struggled to adjust appropriately after the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The performance as a whole was disappointing. They were always playing from behind, relying on a remarkable comeback against a good Test side in Australia. In the end, they were beaten comprehensively by 209 runs before lunch on the fifth day.

2023 ODI World Cup – loss vs Australia in the final

This one would hurt the most. India, coming off an absolutely dominant group stage and 70-run win over New Zealand in the semi-final, entered the final with ten straight wins. They were the undoubted favourites against an Australia side that fought its way to the final, but fears of a bad day in the knockouts came to fruition once again.

After Pat Cummins opted to bowl, India only had joy in the opening ten overs. The remaining 40 yielded just 160 on a slow pitch. With the ball, India picked up early wickets, but the body language was telling even with Australia still needing over 100 runs to win.

In the end, Australia won comfortably by six wickets and 42 balls to spare, with Travis Head (137) and Marnus Labuschagne (58*) the stars with the bat, leaving India to wonder when the drought will end.

The next chance? The 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA.

3 reasons why India lost the 2023 WTC Final

Shahryaar Mirza
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3 reasons why India lost the 2023 WTC Final

Cricket News: 3 reasons why India lost the 2023 WTC Final | Why did India lose WTC Final 2023? A look at three key reasons

Australia became the first nation to win all major ICC titles after comprehensively beating India in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC).

In what was a cracking game of Test cricket, Australia kept their nerves under pressure. All three results were possible heading into day five, with India needing 280 runs to win with seven wickets in hand. However, Australia played their best cricket on the final day to blow India away before lunch.

Coming into this game, India would have hoped to put up a better show. Instead, their decade-long hunt for an ICC trophy continues. On that note, let us look at three reasons behind India’s loss in the final.

3 key reasons why India lost the WTC Final

1. Team selection

Cricket News: 3 reasons why India lost the 2023 WTC Final | Why did India lose WTC Final 2023? A look at three key reasons
3 reasons why India lost the 2023 WTC Final: R Ashwin’s exclusion hurt India.

The inclusion of four pacers is never too bad an idea in England. However, India’s selection came at the cost of a modern-day Test great, Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner was left out as India chose Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur as the other two fast bowlers in addition to Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.

In the lead up, Steve Smith talked about how the pitch could assist spinners as the game progresses. He was indeed right. On days four and five, Ravindra Jadeja and Nathan Lyon got a fair bit of turn and bounce, of which Ashwin would have surely enjoyed.

Apart from being the top-ranked bowler, he also has a favourable matchup against left-handed batsmen. Against left-handers, Ashwin has notched a tremendous 240 wickets at an average of just 19. Furthermore, he has grabbed 114 Test wickets against Australia; his most against any nation.

Also, crucially, he averages just a little over 19 overall against Australia’s four left-handed batters: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey.

In the end, Head and Carey played crucial knocks to push Australia ahead in the contest. On a dry pitch in hot conditions, Ashwin could have combined control with wicket-taking threat to give India a greater chance in this match.

ALSO READ: Why can’t certain India fans separate the IPL & India national team?

2. First day performance

3 reasons why India lost the 2023 WTC Final: Travis Head blew India away on day one.

India got off to a dream start after Usman Khawaja nicked one to the wicketkeeper off Siraj. The conditions looked conducive for pace bowling, with movement in the air and off the pitch.

However, to Rohit Sharma’s misfortune, India could not really make use of the first hour or so.

The Australian batters were beaten on multiple occasions, but India did not get as many wickets as they could and should have. Shami bowled a touch short, while Umesh and Shardul leaked way too many runs. Australia outperformed India in this regard, particularly on days two and five.

When Travis Head started counterattacking, the Indian bowlers had no reply. Steve Smith settled in as well after getting off to a scratchy start.

Eventually, India gave away 327 runs on the first day and 469 in the first innings. From there on, they were never really in control of the game despite the efforts of Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur with the bat.

3. Top order failing to make it count

Cricket News: India possible 11 for WTC 2023 Final | Possible playing XI for India for the World Test Championship Final
3 reasons why India lost the 2023 WTC Final: Rohit and co. couldn’t go big.

None of India’s top four could capitalise on the decent starts they got in both innings.

Rohit Sharma failed to produce an inspirational performance as the skipper. In the first innings, he was caught on the crease and was dismissed LBW off Cummins. In the second innings, he would feel he missed out. He looked in extremely good touch and was on track to get a really big score. However, a lapse of concentration off Nathan Lyon’s bowling saw him dismissed for 43.

Shubman Gill creamed a cover drive and a pull before he was knocked over by Boland on day two. In the second innings, Boland again got the better of Gill, thanks to a controversial Cameron Green catch.

ALSO READ: Cameron Green catch to dismiss Shubman Gill in the WTC Final – out or not out?

Pujara, in the first innings, was dismissed in almost identical fashion as compared to Gill. Both were caught in two minds and could not decide whether to play or leave.

Gill is young and bound to make mistakes. Pujara, on the other hand, with all his experience, should have done a lot better. He also threw his wicket away in the second innings trying to play an uncharacteristic shot over the wicketkeeper’s head.

While the top three were supposed to lay down the platform for the likes of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja, they collapsed instead. Kohli himself looked solid on both occasions, but made a fatal error on the fifth day that began India’s final, sharp slide towards defeat.

Now, it’s thinking time for India. Once again, they have fallen short in a knockout match at an ICC event, creating some uncertainty in the minds of some fans as to how they will fare at this year’s ODI World Cup at home.

Where they go from here will be interesting to see.

WTC Final 2023 day 4 talking points: Was Gill out or not out?

Shahryaar Mirza
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WTC Final 2023 day 4 talking points: Was Gill out or not out?

Cricket News: WTC Final 2023 day 4 talking points: Was Gill out or not out? | Cameron Green catch sparks great debate on day 4

The fourth day of the game started with Australia having a big lead of 296 runs. Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed early in the day, but Cameron Green, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc played handy knocks to help Australia post a target of 444 for India

India started off well, but lost their top three for less than 100 runs. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have steadily built a good-looking partnership. On a pitch that is still tricky but does seem better for batting, India will need 280 runs to win the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.

3 talking points from day 4 of the WTC 2023 Final

On that note, let us take a look at three talking points from Day 4 of the WTC Final.

1. Alex Carey quietly chips in with another potentially match-winning knock

In a side with two Test batting greats who average close to 60 in the format, Alex Carey never really makes it to the headlines. The 31-year old, however, has silently played two absolute gems in both the innings this game. In the first innings, he missed out on a half-century by just two runs. Unsurprisingly, his knock was overshadowed by the tons that Travis Head and Steve Smith scored. Even though he did not get a very big score to his name, Australia managed to add a lot more runs to their total than what they would have if Carey failed to stay at the crease for a while.

In the second innings, the wicketkeeper-batsman topped the scoring charts for Australia, 25 more than next-best Marnus Labuschagne. Much like how Head took the counterattacking route to bail Australia out of a pressure situation earlier in the game, Carey operated in similar fashion.

With Australia in a potentially tricky situation , Carey remained positive. He did not slow down Cameron Green’s wicket either, scoring two marvelous boundaries the very next over off Mohammed Siraj’s bowling. Although he was supported well by Starc at the other end, his positive intent is what kept the scoreboard ticking.

2. Mitchell Starc shines with the bat, but not so much with the ball

Cricket News: WTC Final 2023 day 4 talking points: Was Gill out or not out? | Cameron Green catch sparks great debate on day 4
WTC Final 2023 day 4 talking points: Mitchell Starc struggled with the ball

Mitchell Starc is one player who would have had mixed feelings at the end of the day. With the bat, he played second fiddle to Carey in the brilliant 93-run stand. Without slogging blindly, he scored a brilliant 41 off just 57 balls.

However, he was massively disappointing with the ball. The left-arm pacer went for 13 runs off his first over, and a total of 26 in his first three. He bowled one good ball once in a while and then followed it up with a number of ordinary ones.

Starc was unable to build pressure, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli benefitting. Both were strong against deliveries pitched too straight, of which there were many from the left-arm quick.

3. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane untroubled aiming to pull off something historic after controversial catch

Cricket News: WTC Final 2023 day 4 talking points: Was Gill out or not out? | Cameron Green catch sparks great debate on day 4
WTC Final 2023 day 4 talking points: Cameron Green’s contentious catch

Cameron Green’s catch (or no catch) was the big talking point of the day. Richard Kettleborough’s decision to give Shubman Gill out sparked debate, with many believing the ball snuck between Green’s fingers to take some of the turf as he completed the catch. It brought to an end a very promising opening stand, where Gill and Rohit began positively.

However, India’s lack of partnerships hurt them early. The Indian skipper was dismissed in Nathan Lyon’s first over trying to sweep, while Cheteshwar Pujara guided one to the wicketkeeper attempting a ramp shot on a shorter delivery.

India would have certainly felt those two wickets were avoidable. But, there was never a lack of intent from the Indian batters. With 280 needed off the last day, Australia are still ahead in the game needing just 7 wickets to win. However, Virat Kohli has looked very comfortable ever since he walked out to bat. Ajinkya Rahane, who scored a magnificent 89 in the first innings, has also looked at ease.

A few of Kohli’s boundaries have come because of the immaculate use of those wrists. Chasing a mammoth total on a fifth day pitch, India could not have asked for a better pair to begin proceedings with on the last day: an in-form Rahane and a well-set Kohli.

The pair brought India out of trouble with an unbeaten partnership of 71 runs, but their job is not done yet. On Day 5, this very experienced duo would look to carry their form forward as India look to chase what would be the highest total that has ever been chased in Test history.

Cameron Green catch to dismiss Gill in WTC Final: Out or not out?

Charbel Coorey
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Cameron Green catch to dismiss Gill in WTC Final: Out or not out?

Cricket News: Cameron Green catch to dismiss Gill: Out or not out? | Debates rife over Cameron Green catch in WTC 2023 Final

Controversy is never too far away when rivals Australia and India do battle. It made an appearance on the fourth day of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, where Cameron Green produced a terrific effort at gully off Shubman Gill that third umpire Richard Kettleborough deemed out.

However, was it out? Did any part of the ball touch the ground? Or did Green keep the ball off the ground the entire time? Remember, the soft signal was removed before the final, so it was Kettleborough’s decision – and Kettleborough’s only – to make.

As an Australian fan, my personal opinion is Shubman Gill was hard done by. While Green’s fingers are under the ball, there appears to be a gap between his fingers, with the ball brushing the turf in the process of taking the catch.

But, opinion either side of the argument should be encouraged and debated in civilised manner. And there certainly is plenty of discussion online. Below are some of the key reactions to the decision, which was an important call given Gill and Rohit Sharma started their steep chase of 444 superbly.

ALSO READ: Highest successful run chases in Tests at The Oval

Cameron Green catch in WTC Final: Out or not out?

Arguments in support of the decision:

Cricbuzz journalist and SEN commentator Bharat Sundaresan believes it was the correct decision.

“When it comes to a catch low to the ground, what matters most is if the fielder was in control of the ball & his body & not if the ball has touched a blade of grass post that & it’s clear that Cameron Green was in control of both. Great call from Richard Kettleborough,” he tweeted.

Arguments & reactions against the decision:

Many believe the ball hit the ground as the catch was being completed, and thus should have been given not out.

What is your call? Do you believe the decision was correct or incorrect? Let us know by tweeting @cric_blog.

ALSO READ: Highest successful run chases in Tests at The Oval

Talking points from WTC Final 2023 day 3 – Can India still win?

Shahryaar Mirza
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Talking points from WTC Final 2023 day 3 – Can India still win?

Cricket News: Talking points from WTC Final 2023 day 3 – Can India still win? | WTC Final 2023 prediction: Can India pull off stunning win?

India began the third day with half of their side back in the pavilion. To add to their wounds, Srikar Bharat was dismissed on just the second ball of the day. Another Scott Boland delivery nipping back ended up disturbing an Indian batter’s stumps. At that point, Australia were quite comfortably in the driver’s seat.

When Shardul Thakur walked in to bat, India trailed by a massive 317 runs, needing 117 runs to avoid the follow on. However, it was then that an extraordinary eighth wicket partnership started to take shape.

Although it was not without some luck for the Shardul and Rahane, the pair still put up a brilliant 109-run stand in a fighting cause. From a position where it looked like an Australia win was the only possible result, the partnership added some life to the game.

On that note, let us take a look at three talking points from Day 3 of the WTC Final.

ALSO READ: Highest successful run chases at The Oval

WTC 2023 Final day 3 talking points: Are Australia too far ahead now?

1. Ajinkya Rahane plays the knock of a warrior on his comeback

Rahane, in his first Test since January 2022, reminded all of his class. Like he has often done in the past, he once again played a superb fighting knock to bring India back into the game. His 89 was a test of his character, which he passed with aplomb thanks to a batting exhibition.

The 35-year old put up a show, piercing gaps on the off-side more often than not. Throughout his knock, he played the ball very late, and never lost his shape in the process. While visuals showed others making contact with the ball outside the crease, Rahane’s points of interception were much closer to his body.

He was standing deep in his crease compared to the likes of Virat Kohli and Marnus Labuschagne, and his trigger movement saw him go further back. Playing late and close to the body is one of the keys to success in England, and Rahane adapted in the best possible manner.

He missed out on a ton by just 11 runs. Nevertheless, his knock has potentially pulled India back into the game from the jaws of defeat.

2. Shardul Thakur makes a case to cement his spot as India’s premier pace bowling all-rounder

Cricket News: Talking points from WTC Final 2023 day 3 - Can India still win? | WTC Final 2023 prediction: Can India pull off stunning win?
Talking points from WTC Final 2023 day 3 – Rahane and Shardul were superb

Shardul may have his weaknesses as a cricketer, but he is a true fighter. He may not consistently get big scores with the bat and may bowl the odd wayward delivery, but he showed some real character on day three.

He took multiple blows to the body, but never allowed it to affect his approach. Two consecutive deliveries from Pat Cummins that rose up sharply off the pitch hit Shardul on his right forearm. He was in immense pain, but he did not throw his wicket away, ensuring he got in line with the ball each time.

Not too long after that, he creamed a cover drive off Mitchell Starc, and then timed an on-drive to perfection off Cummins’ bowling. The resilient knock came to an end only after he got to his half-century. In the process, he joined an elite list; he became only the third visiting batsman ever to score three consecutive Test scores of 50 or more at The Oval, joining the great Sir Don Bradman and Allan Border.

3. Australia play some ordinary cricket to give India hope

Talking points from WTC Final 2023 day 3 – Pat Cummins and Australia were ill-disciplined at times

After dominating the first two days of the Test, Australia lost control of things somewhat on the third day. As good as the Rahane-Shardul duo was, both got lucky on numerous occasions.

Rahane, on day two, was dismissed off a no ball from the Australian skipper. He got another life when he was dropped on 72. Cummins found Rahane’s outside edge, but in a moment of indecisiveness between David Warner and Alex Carey, neither went for the catch wholeheartedly.

Shardul, on the other hand, was dropped by Usman Khawaja on just the fourth delivery he faced. It was a tough chance that flew off Shardul’s outside edge. Had the Australian batter reacted a few milliseconds earlier, he could have put India into further trouble. Shardul was again dropped on eight by Cameron Green, who could not hold on to a sitter at gully.

Later, he missed a flick and got struck on the pads. It was given out by the umpire, but Cummins had overstepped yet again.

With the bat, David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith gave their wickets away. Travis Head looked all at sea. With the chance to really drive home the advantage, Australia were quite loose, giving India some hope that they are not out of the match just yet.

With the kind of batting potential India possesses, even 350 would not be impossible to chase, albeit on a tricky pitch. If anything, this gives the Australian management a lot to think about, irrespective of the result of this game. From a champion side like Australia, a tad more professionalism is expected.

ALSO READ: Top 5 highest successful run chases at The Oval

List of highest successful run chases in Tests at The Oval

Charbel Coorey
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List of highest successful run chases in Tests at The Oval

Cricket News: List of highest successful run chases in Tests at The Oval | What is the highest successful run chase at The Oval?

The Oval in London has traditionally been a good ground for batting. But, how successful have teams been in chasing targets?

Over the past 20 years, the team batting first has won 47.4% of Tests on this ground. Teams bowling last have had the better of proceedings in this period, with the top five successful run chases all taking place before 2000.

Top 5 successful run chases in Tests at The Oval

There have been multiple 300+ scores in the fourth innings on this ground. However, none of the top five scores in the final innings have actually resulted in victory.

TotalTargetTeamOpponentYearResult
429/8438IndiaEngland1973Draw
423/7451South AfricaEngland1947Draw
369/6500EnglandIndia2007Draw
348546AustraliaEngland2009ENG win
345464IndiaEngland2018ENG win

Here are the top five run chases achieved at Kennington Oval in London.

1. 263/9 by England against Australia, 1902

England’s effort way back in 1902 remains the highest succcessful run chase to date on this ground. They scored just 183 in reply to Australia’s 324 in the first innings, before knocking over the tourists for just 121 second time around.

Gilbert Jessop’s 104 and George Hirst’s 58 helped England to a remarkable win after falling to 48/5 in pursuit of 263.

2. 255/2 by West Indies against England, 1963

Windies opener Conrad Hunte hit 80 and 108* in an excellent win against England in 1963. The Test was even in the first innings before the visitors cruised to victory by eight wickets on the back of Hunte’s ton and Rohan Kanhai’s 77.

3. 242/5 by Australia against England, 1972

The Chappell brothers were at their very best at The Oval in 1972. Both scored hundreds in Australia’s first innings score of 399, which handed them a 115-run lead.

England fought hard in response with 356, and then picked up three Australian wickets for five runs during the chase of 242. However, Paul Sheahan (44*) and Rod Marsh (43*) led Australia to a fine win.

4. 226/2 by West Indies against England, 1988

West Indies sealed a 4-0 series win in England in 1988 with an eight-wicket win. Greats Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes put on 131 for the first wicket to set up the chase of 225, before Haynes and Gus Logie finished the job.

England dug deep in this Test to bowl the great Windies out for just 183 in the first innings. However, the Windies attack, consisting of Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, restricted the home side to 205 and 203 in their two digs.

5. 219/2 by Sri Lanka against England, 2024

Sri Lanka achieved their fourth Test win in England after dismantling the hosts by eight wickets. Pathum Nissanka (127*) was magnificent in the fourth innings, driving, cutting and pulling his way to his second Test hundred.

England paid the price for terrible batting in the second innings. They were bowled out for 156 in just 34 overs on a relatively flat pitch. Sri Lanka had no issues in reaching the target, achieving the fifth-highest successful run chase on this ground in the process.

Why can’t certain India fans separate IPL & the national team?

Charbel Coorey
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Why can’t certain India fans separate IPL & the national team?

Opinion: Why can’t certain India fans separate IPL & the national team? | The 2023 WTC Final has seen India fans argue among themselves

Much of the buildup to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final focused on the team selections, the 22 yards in the centre of The Oval and the key battles to come on it. Another factor was how the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) would impact the contest, given the challenge for batsmen and bowlers to adjust to a format that has vastly different requirements.

However, the IPL has had an impact in more ways than one. For all its positives, the inability of some to separate the IPL and Indian national team is difficult to comprehend. Rivalries between ‘superfans’ of certain players dominate discussions online, despite the fact that each and every individual in the national team shares a common goal: representing India with pride and doing all they can to win.

Opinion: Why can't certain India fans separate IPL & the national team? | The 2023 WTC Final has seen India fans argue among themselves
Virat Kohli has copped widespread criticism for eating

So why don’t some fans share those views?

To witness certain India supporters rush to Twitter to share their happiness at a player’s dismissal or failure is quite incredible. Or to defend someone at all costs when they were shedding criticism on a “rival” player over the years for similar performances and decisions.

Having a favourite player is completely fine, but why at the expense of someone else? Doesn’t it make more sense to want Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and the nine others to perform for the sake of the national team? Apparently not.

IPL rivalry healthy, but not when it gets in the way of support for Team India

IPL rivalry is healthy and promotes talking points. It boosts ratings and keeps the competition flowing. However, as an outsider, it is clear to see the rivalry has spilt over into the national team where both Rohit and Virat have achieved a remarkable things.

When it comes to India, it surely should be put to the side.

Think of the England national football team. Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane is the captain. Arsenal have a traditional and fiery rivalry with Kane’s Tottenham, but all, including Arsenal fans, come together to support the whole team. “It’s coming home”, remember?

It is something difficult to understand as an Australia fan. Both Rohit and Virat are representing your country in an ICC final. Why would one be happy if either or both are dismissed cheaply? Or use it as an opportunity to belittle rather than suggest a meaningful replacement or provide thoughtful analysis? Or to point out which players were or weren’t playing at certain points under each player’s captaincy?

Also, there seems to be a time limit on when you can and can’t eat. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if the tweet author was munching on a snack while typing and then hitting send.

India’s tactics were questionable in the WTC 2021 Final. As they have been in 2023 as well. Instead of celebrating failures and comparing food habits, more attention should be on the think tank’s decisions in big games regardless of who the captain is.

If the team doesn’t come first for certain fans, they will focus on the player rivalry rather than what is best for the team. As an Australia fan, it would be great to see insightful analysis on Team India rather than simply belittling players who have poured everything they have for the jersey, including beating Australia in Australia on two separate occasions.

Unfortunately, that is difficult to find.

Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Smith, Head dominate Ashwin-less India

Shahryaar Mirza
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Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Smith, Head dominate Ashwin-less India

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Smith, Head dominate Ashwin-less India | WTC Final 2023 Day 1 reactions

The game that everyone had been waiting for, the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final, begun on Wednesday, June 7. But, it was one-sided. After a fantastic day for Australia, they will begin day two on a comfortable 327-3, courtesy of an unbeaten 251-run partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith.

Here are three of the major talking points from Day 1 of the WTC Final, and how fans on Twitter reacted to them.

WTC Final 2023 Day 1 reactions: Ashwin left out, Australia dominate

Number 1 ICC Test Bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, left out for Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav

In the buildup, India’s possible playing XI sparked a lot of debate. A number of fans and experts had contrasting views regarding whether R Ashwin should play or whether India will opt for four seamers.

The suspense came to an end at the toss where Rohit Sharma announced that Ashwin, the top-ranked Test bowler, had been left out.

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final - Smith, Head dominate Ashwin-less India | WTC Final 2023 Day 1 reactions
Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Decision to leave Ashwin out brought about lots of criticism.

At the toss, Pat Cummins said that he expects to see a bit of spin in the last two days of the Test. If that happens, India would feel they made a blunder by leaving their premier spinner out. However, regardless of how the pitch behaves on the last two days, the off-spinner’s absence could be felt on the first day itself.

Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav managed to take just the combined one wicket across 32 overs, conceding over four per over. Both looked underdone. Against a team with plenty of left-handers, Ashwin, who averages 19 against lefties in Tests, could certainly have made an impact. If not by wickets, then by control at the very least.

Also, Ricky Ponting on air said the pitch beneath the grass looked dry. He criticised the decision to leave Ashwin out, saying it seemed as if India had picked a bowling line up for the first innings only. Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar also disapproved of the decision, saying that some players simply cannot be dropped, irrespective of the pitch and conditions.

David Warner showing his experience with a gritty knock in a big game

Conditions were overcast and the pitch was doing quite a bit in the first session. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami were on song, so much so that it took David Warner 12 balls to get off the mark.

Australia lost Usman Khawaja early after he outside edged a lovely wobble seam delivery from Siraj. However, the experienced David Warner took responsibility from there onwards. Although he missed, edged, and was beaten throughout, he did not let India get another wicket in quick succession.

He capitalised on the loose deliveries on offer by Umesh Yadav, and smacked four boundaries in one of his overs. Some pulls, drives and edges later, he was caught behind off a loose Thakur delivery down the legside. Nevertheless, his 43 at a healthy strike rate of more than 70 laid the platform for the batters to follow.

Travis Head and Steven Smith put on a scintillating, unbeaten partnership of 251*

India took a wicket either side of lunch, putting them on the driver’s seat. Travis Head, who walked in at 76-3, was having none of it. In the era of Bazball, he gave us glimpses of “TravBall.”

Travis Head did justice to his reputation of being Australia’s most aggressive batsman. Before the start of the final, Head had scored over 1,200 Test runs at an average of over 52 since the beginning of 2021. He struck at about 81 during this period.

On Wednesday, he might have come out to bat during a tricky phase, but his intent and approach remained the same.

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final - Smith, Head dominate Ashwin-less India | WTC Final 2023 Day 1 reactions
Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Steve Smith & Travis Head were superb.

In the first 16 balls that he faced, he hit six boundaries. Australia, from 76-3, reached 113-3 in a matter of just 41 deliveries. Head gave them the momentum shift that they needed.

Australia’s number five continued to put the bad balls away, getting to a fifty in 60 deliveries and then to a well-deserved ton off just 106 deliveries. From cracking drives for fours to a cheeky cut over third man for six, the left-handed batter had it all covered in what has been an exhibition of counterattacking under pressure.

Amid all the carnage from Head who finished on 146*, Steve Smith’s brilliant knock playing the anchor role might have gone unnoticed. While Head played the aggressor, Smith held one end quite brilliantly. It took Smith 144 deliveries to get to his fifty, but then became more confident to end the day on 95*, causing the kind of hurt to India that he did in the mid-2010s.

Winner of WTC Final will achieve a world first in cricket

Tarkesh Jha
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Winner of WTC Final will achieve a world first in cricket

Cricket News: Winner of WTC Final will achieve a world first in cricket | India & Australia aim to achieve world-first in cricket

Both India and Australia are in pursuit of their maiden World Test Championship Final. However, an added incentive awaits both teams.

The winner will become the first nation to win all of the major ICC titles.

India won the ODI World Cup in 2007 and 2011. Australia has emerged victorious in the tournament on five occasions, i.e. 1978, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. Both the countries have also won the ICC T20 World Cup. India won the inaugural edition in 2007 whereas Australia lifted the trophy at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021.

Further, the two nations have also won the ICC Champions Trophy previously. India shared the trophy due to a washed out finale with Sri Lanka in 2002 before winning it again under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2013. On the other hand, Australian won the same consecutively under Ricky Ponting’s leadership in 2006 and 2009. Now, potentially winning the WTC 2021-23 presents them a unique opportunity of being the only team to have all four ICC trophies in their cabinet.

India and Australia aim to achieve world first: Their run to the WTC 2023 Final

India had come within touching distance of lifting the trophy in the WTC cycle that lasted from 2019-21. New Zealand had defeated India by eight wickets in the previous WTC final that took place in Southampton in June 2021. The Australian side was unable to qualify for the summit clash last time around.

However, they more than made up for it in this cycle by topping the league standings at the end of a hard-fought two-year-long cycle in which they underwent three tours to the subcontinent – in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India respectively.

The Baggy Greens overcame every challenge with extreme efficiency. They now have a shot at cementing their legacy as one of the greatest Test teams in the country’s cricketing history with the WTC final and the impending Ashes against a rejuvenated English team lying ahead of them in the coming couple of months.

Who do you think will secure this incredible opportunity? Let us know by tweeting @cric_blog.

Slightly concerned about future of Test cricket – Steve Smith

Shahryaar Mirza
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Slightly concerned about future of Test cricket – Steve Smith

Cricket News: Slightly concerned about future of Test cricket – Steve Smith | Smith speaks about the future of Test cricket

Australia batsman Steve Smith recently expressed his concern regarding the longest format of the game slowly dying out because of the massively increased focus on shorter formats of the game. The 34-year old, however, added that he believes Test cricket in in safe hands as things stand, with thrilling matches over the past few years helping increase attention on the format.

“Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully Test cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing. So, yeah, for me as a, I suppose, a traditionalist, someone that loves Test cricket, I hope it still remains at the front of all the board’s minds and stays alive and well for some time to come,” Smith said.

WTC important to the future of Test cricket – Smith

Talking about the ICC World Test Championship, he heaped praise on the concept. He is of the opinion that this competition gives the players something to play for in Test cricket. According to him, this concept adds more relevance to the format, and makes it interesting to watch and play.

“Oh, I mean it’s really important. I think the World Test Championship now, having the two best teams play in a final, I think that’s great. It adds a little bit more relevance, I suppose, to Test cricket. So it’s what we all work towards for a couple of years. And this week should be an exciting one and yeah the guys are looking forward to it,” added Smith.

Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully Test cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing.

Steve Smith
Cricket News: Will The Oval pitch spin? Steve Smith thinks so | Steve Smith believes The Oval pitch may behave similar to the Indian pitches

Smith was also asked to draw a comparison between how similar or how different the buildup for a WTC final is in contrast to that for an ODI or T20 World Cup final. In response, he said that he has never thought of it in that way, but praised the buildup in general and the energy in the camp.

“Yeah, I’m not really sure. I haven’t thought too much about it in that aspect. It’s obviously been a good couple of years of Test cricket and to play in a final of the World Test Championship is pretty special. But yeah, I don’t know, until we sort of go out there and get started, I don’t know how it’ll feel. But it’s been a good build up the last few days. We’ve had some good days training down in Beckenham and we get to have a hit at the Oval today and tomorrow. So, we’re looking forward to that. But yeah, it should be a really good week,” the 34-year old added.

Smith later talked about how good India’s bowling attack is. He admitted that Australia will have to play their best cricket against India to have a chance at winning the WTC 2023 Final.

“I think they’ve got a good mix obviously of quality seam bowlers. Shami and Siraj, probably their two main guys who have really good skills and I think the Dukes ball suits them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl really well in all conditions. So, I think they’re a good attack and yeah, we’re going to have to play well against them this week,” Smith concluded.

The game between Australia and India begins on June 7, and the winner walks away with the WTC mace.

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