Team India’s recent Test series defeat against New Zealand has sparked widespread criticism, with former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali joining the chorus of voices expressing concern. Ali highlighted the team’s batting failures as the primary reason for their downfall, emphasizing their inability to handle both spin and pace bowling.
“India’s batting got exposed,” Ali said. “In the first match, the Kiwi pacers took 17 wickets. In the second Test, spinners took 19 wickets. India players were neither able to play pacers well nor spinners.”
Ali also pointed to the team’s overconfidence as a contributing factor. “India might have thought they would beat the Kiwis easily,” he said. “This means that the Indian management and players were overconfident.”
Ali expressed particular concern over the team’s preparedness for the upcoming Australia tour, noting the absence of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from the squad. “I am surprised why there is no Mohammed Shami in the squad for the Australia tour,” he said. “You have put all the load on Bumrah. Without Shami, India might face problems in Australia.”
Ali’s criticism echoes the sentiments of many experts who have questioned India’s batting technique and mental approach. The team’s inability to adapt to different bowling conditions and their tendency to collapse under pressure have been major concerns.
As India prepares for the Australia tour, they will need to address these issues and find a way to improve their batting performance. The absence of Shami, one of their most experienced and reliable bowlers, is also a significant setback.
The team’s management and players will need to work together to find solutions and regain their winning ways. Otherwise, they risk further setbacks and a decline in their Test rankings.
