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I think the loss today was an accident waiting to happen. India had got enough warnings about it. CT 17 was the first one. India had to build a Plan B for their template. Their top order coming good was all cool but they had to ensure there was cover for the top order collapse.
What did India do? They played around with Pandya at 4, then had him back down to try Rayudu. Talked him up, backed him but the moment he had a string of low scores, backed out of him. India were being troubled by top order not coming good since AUS series, MS scored 3 50s..
It told you the team was still not prepared. Then you collapse vs NZ, Rayudu shines but he isn't backed and you have Shankar designated. That doesn't quite go well and you go back to a player who you termed was a backup opener. Rahul does okay before Dhawan gets injured.
Throws everything into the air. India get Rahul back (right call) and Shankar then bats at 4 in a WC game. (Having never batted that ever before). He gets injured, shit hits the fan, you get Pant in. Two things here - Middle order is one of the toughest places to bat, adapt
India took that for granted. Players cannot just come in and adapt to roles quickly. They need at least 15-20 ODIs to be confident of pulling off their roles. The reason why Kohli/MS has been able to calculate chases before is since they did it many things before. It's a habit.
Come the knockout day, when India should have actually pushed MS up at 4, India stuck with Pant and DK then, Pandya. What was the thinking? Why mess up your own chances? Jadeja saved the blushes, Dhoni was himself and got out at a vital time. India helped their cause? Nope.
Rahul looked a shadow of himself, you can't even think to blame Pant, DK, Dhoni had their roles changed. How do you win a tournament like that? Kohli didn't get a ton, thank stars that Rohit scored the tons, Kohli chipped in but India will want more from him in knockouts.
If not for Rohit, Bumrah, India would have had an embarrassing campaign. Come to the bowling - two years to build up Kuldeep-Chahal and they didn't take enough wickets in middle overs. England loss made India overact. Dropped Kedar, who did no wrong? Dropped the wrist spinners.
Played Shami, who did so well and then dropped him too for the big game. How does a player get any confidence? India still managed to bowl well and kept them to a low score. The only way NZ could have won was by new ball wickets and India couldn't stop that. There was no Plan B.
It is as if India didn't back themselves enough after the good work done before the WC. So many changes to plans, too sudden. Never help a side. It's not one person's mistake. The management, selection could have been a lot better.
Not to boast or anything but Sachin makes similar points. Consistency in selection for middle order was a key area.
