A second T20 World Cup thrashing in two games, this time by New Zealand, has left India’s semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, with their performance heavily criticised by pundits and past players alike.

India’s woes started with the bat, where a lack of boundaries and regular wickets combined to restrict them to 111-7. Given Virat Kohli’s side opted to lengthen their batting line-up, dropping Bhuvneshwar Kumar in favour of Shardul Thakur, the lack of enterprise puzzled some.

Shardul Thakur's inclusion was ostensibly to improve the batting depth, you'd assume. Yet it made zero difference to India's approach through the middle, and now he's conceded 14 from his first over.

— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) October 31, 2021

This defeat should hurt Team India. Tentative with the bat, their shot selection was questionable. New Zealand bowled superbly, but India made their task easier. With their net run rate also taking a beating, a semifinal spot looks a distant dream #INDvNZ #T20WorldCup

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 31, 2021

India also struggled with the ball. Having been beaten by Pakistan without taking a wicket, they only managed two scalps against New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah was the successful bowler on both occasions, ending a drought that was started with a wicket from an unlikely source.

Only @Jaspritbumrah93 looked the part in today’s match for India. Not one other player made significant impact. Thoroughly outplayed by the Kiwis

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 31, 2021

Given the bowlers available to India, their inability to penetrate the opposition is puzzling.

For a squad containing:

Bumrah, Jadeja, Kumar, Shami, Ashwin, Chakravarthy etc

…to have picked up just two wickets across two games is remarkable.

What’s gone wrong?

— Henry Moeran (@henrymoeranBBC) October 31, 2021

Their ineffectiveness is in stark contrast to England’s success so far, with the two considered pre-tournament favourites by many.

Just two wickets in this World Cup for India's bowlers in two games. England, by contrast, have 29 in three.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) October 31, 2021

There was plenty of praise for New Zealand, who excelled in victory.

No one will admit it including themselves as they are so humble but #NZ are pound for pound the best all format Cricket team in the World at the moment … #Fact #T20WorldCup

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 31, 2021

Comprehensive and clinical from New Zealand. The single to third man that Kane Williamson plays so late from the face of the bat is just sublime . India meanwhile have managed 2 wickets in 2 games.

— mike selvey (@selvecricket) October 31, 2021

And there were jokes aplenty at India’s plight.

Look forward to seeing more cricket between evenly-matched sides when India meet Scotland and Namibia later in the Super 12s

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) October 31, 2021

Is Dhoni saying "Bye Bye" 🙃

WRAP:
👉 https://t.co/gyEiymGgVP 👈 #T20WorldCup | #INDvNZ | #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/cY6HPHCPvY

— 🏏FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) October 31, 2021

Ultimately, however, India’s predicament is serious. They are now dependent on New Zealand losing at least one more game, or Pakistan losing both of theirs, with India’s net run rate taking a hit too.

Scores level, 34 balls remaining, and India leave three men out on the rope: sums up a fatigued, confused performance which leaves them teetering on the brink of World Cup elimination

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) October 31, 2021

Sign up to bet365 to be entered into a draw for the chance to win a Wisden Hoodie, terms and conditions apply, more information here. 18+ begambleaware.org