It is time the Indian selectors moved on from Harmanpreet Kaur as T20I captain in the aftermath of the side’s group-stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup, writes Abhishek Mukherjee.
India’s underwhelming outing at the 2024 T20 World Cup cannot be reduced to a defeat against Australia, a side that would have beaten most sides on most days. India were stunned by New Zealand, who were coming into the World Cup on the back of a streak of ten consecutive defeats. They were too cautious against Pakistan, a match where they could have – should have – looked to boost their net run rate. Instead, they did not hit a single boundary inside the powerplay while chasing 106.
India’s effort against Pakistan turned out to be inconsequential in the end, for they lost to New Zealand on points – but India did not know it back then. Had Pakistan held their catches in their last game, India might have been through on net run rate despite winning only twice. Hours after India crawled to a win against Pakistan, the West Indies were unperturbed even after becoming 59-4 in their pursuit of 100 against Scotland: they romped home inside 12 overs, improved their net run rate, and eventually pipped England to qualify for the semi-finals.
Even if one discounts the New Zealand defeat as one bad day on the field, India’s approach against Pakistan can hardly be justified. It was not the only time India were defensive in the tournament, either.
“When Deepti [Sharma] and I were batting, that time we were not able to utilise a few loose balls,” admitted captain Harmanpreet Kaur after India’s defeat against Australia. “We could have controlled the boundaries.”
Australia, arguably the greatest across-gender, across-format international team the sport has known, would probably have won anyway. They did not even need to be at full strength to win. They were without captain, keeper, and talismanic batter Alyssa Healy, as well as fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck. Even after that, they won without stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, or Grace Harris having to bowl a single ball.
While all that is true, India’s defensive approach contributed to the outcome of the game. India took the safe route, keeping wickets in hand, backing themselves to pull off a final onslaught – but predictably turned out to be no match for Australia’s exceptional death bowlers.
There is little question over the ability of the cricketers. On their day, several Indian batters are capable of taking most attacks apart. What let them down was their approach. And it was not a first.
