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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

And there were jokes aplenty at India’s plight.

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.

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