T20 World Cup 2021: “Scary Halloween for Indian fans” - Cricket fraternity stunned with Virat and co.’s dismal show against New Zealand

Tim Southee bowls to KL Rahul. Pic: Getty Images

“Playing 2010 Cricket” - What former cricketers from other nations had to say about India’s loss to New Zealand

Not only India, ex-cricketers from other countries also shared their views on India’s shocking performance against the Kiwis on Sunday. Here are some reactions:

“It never seemed as if India turned up for this game” - Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar opined that India looked a completely lost side against New Zealand. He questioned the team's tactics and planning. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar said:

"I don't know with what mindset and attitude they were playing. Why did Rohit bat at 3, why did they open with Ishan Kishan? Hardik Pandya, bowling pretty late in the innings, should've bowled earlier. I have no idea whatsoever about India's gameplan. It was a completely lost Indian squad.

"It never seemed as if India turned up for this game or not. Average performance by team India. After all the hype and pressure from the Indian media, I knew that the team would struggle. Again, the team proved to be a weak bowling side."

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“The game has moved on” - Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan never misses an opportunity to take a dig at India. He was at it again following Virat and co’s disastrous show. In a series of tweets, he questioned the team’s approach and intent. The former captain wrote:

“India are playing 2010 Cricket .. The game has moved on .. #T20WorldCup.”

Another of his tweets read:

“India could be on the way out of this #T20WorldCup .. the mindset & approach with all that talent so far has been so wrong #India.”

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“India didn't select their best combination” - Salman Butt

A rare moment to enjoy for the Indian cricket team. Pic: Getty Images

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt questioned the absence of pacer Mohammed Siraj in the Indian squad. Pointing out that Siraj was the most economical Indian pacer in IPL 2021, Butt opined on his YouTube channel:

"I think India didn't select their best combination. How can you not select a player with the best economy rate in the IPL? And the fastest bowling speed in terms of the England series? Yes, Siraj. Then you have many fast bowlers... There should have been some surprising pace element in the team. When the opposition knows that there's no bowler who can bowl over 145kph, or threaten with bouncers and yorkers then your bowling can't create the wicket-taking impact.”

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“They were absolutely demoralized” - Inzamam-ul-Haq

Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was part of a few World Cup battles with India during his playing days, reacted with disbelief to India’s lacklustre show. He said on his YouTube channel:

"This match was the biggest one after India and Pakistan. Even bigger than Australia vs England. I'm shocked by the manner in which India played. They were absolutely demoralized. I could not understand how such a big team took so much pressure."

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“Virat Kohli will be gutted” - Dale Steyn

Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, who played with Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), said he felt bad for India. Speaking on Star Sports, the pace bowling great stated:

"Virat Kohli will be gutted, losing a game they just had to win tonight whereas New Zealand will be jubilant. I feel bad for India."

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India still have an outside chance of qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2021. For that, they need to engineer a stunning turnaround and hope all other results work in their favor.