The countdown for the ICC Men’s World T20 has begun with teams fired up to eye the coveted crown of the champions. Reigning champions Australia will fancy their chances to defend the title at home. With two World T20s in consecutive years, most teams already have built a proper side in place specifically targeting the demands of the shortest format. Team India too likewise has had a definite pool of players that they have tried and played to get the perfect XI on D-day.
With the wounds of last year’s disastrous campaign still fresh in mind, the Men In Blue will surely fly to Australia with a different mindset altogether. Not to forget, a lot has actually changed in the past few months. Change at the helm of affairs clearly signalled that the BCCI is looking to take some big decisions in the hopes of glory in ICC events. Post the WT20, India continued to be a formidable force in bilateral series like before. All in all, it’s worth the wait as only then can we arrive at a final judgement.
Countless debates, yet solutions awaited
But for now, what several critics have pointed out as a major challenge for the Indian team is the ‘problem of plenty’. Every time there’s a notification about the selection of the side ahead of any series, social media erupts in joy to celebrate the selection of a promising talent plus cry foul for either sidelining someone else who could not make it despite deserving a chance.
Be it for the place of wicket-keepers or pacers or batters; at times it feels that selecting the team has become much harder and more stressful than actually playing the game on the field. In addition, when nobody’s place remains certain despite the talent and potential, it definitely takes a toll on the player’s mental health as they constantly feel the heat.
The “Off the field” hurdles
Just when the Asia Cup was announced, fans rejoiced at the return of King Kohli and simultaneously were amused at how justified it was to axe Sanju Samson and Mohammed Shami. While former cricketer Kris Srikkanth who also was the Chief Selector when India won the 2011 WC, has questioned the omission of Shami especially when Bumrah is not available. Such incidents are not at all new for followers of Team India. This has evidently of late been the cause of a lot of debates regarding the policy adopted by the selection committee and the team management. Amidst such an environment, it is not amusing that the brand of fearless cricket sees a hit in the face of unforeseen challenges.
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All in all, besides a bag of expectations and predictions, what is left is a journey of a few more months. Precisely, the battle begins soon in UAE, where the Men In Blue will yet again be on the conquest to conquer Asia. Team India will be up against arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match in the Dubai International Stadium on August 28.
