On Monday, former head coach Ravi Shastri praised India as “serious challengers” in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he also stated that winning the final two knockout games of any major tournament is what counts for a strong team. The country’s cricket community is still in shock at Australia’s victory over India in the one-sided final played in Ahmedabad more than a week ago, considering that the hosts had a 10-match winning streak going into the tournament.
Even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar had to wait six World Cups before winning one. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. “You have to be damn good on that big day to win a World Cup (2024 T20 World Cup); you don’t win a World Cup easily,” Shastri remarked at the Indian Street Premier League registration launch today.
“On that momentous day, your past actions hold no significance; it’s when you step up to the plate. You were aware of what would happen (in terms of the format) even before the competition officially began. There are early doors for the semifinal and final, and once the top four teams are in,” if you perform on those two days, you’ll win. And those were the two days when Australia surprised everyone by performing,” the former captain of India remarked.
For the record sixth time, Australia won the 50-over World Cup. “They lost the first two, but on the D-day, the two days, they did,” Shastri remarked.
Before the T20 World Cup, which will take place in the Caribbean and the USA starting on June 4 of next year, Shastri claimed that India has identified a core group of young players.
“It was heartbreaking, but a lot of our guys will learn, the game moves on, and I see India winning a World Cup very soon,” Shastri stated.
“Since you have to rebuild the team, it might not be as easy as it seems in 50 overs, but in 20 overs, India will be strong contenders the very next time around because you have the core. This is a shorter version of the game.” You ought to concentrate on that.” Shastri acknowledged that remembering that India, the best team in the tournament, fell short in the championship game still hurts.
Recalling India’s effort, Shastri exclaimed, “It was fabulous.”
“To be honest, it still hurts from the outside that we could not win the cup because we were the strongest team.” Mohammed Shami, who took 24 wickets, led the Indian bowlers in a cohesive display that Shastri believed offered India the ‘best opportunity’.
“The way the bowling stood up towards the mid-stage of the tournament, you thought they had a great, great chance,” he stated.
