India’s thrilling victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 is over and that is part of the folklore. Now, it’s time for the Men in Blue to look forward to their upcoming matches against Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe and sealing the semifinal spot.
South Africa have shared points with Zimbabwe. Still, these matches have to be won. Rain can hit any team and assorted reasons can result in some reverses. So, now it is time for Team India to focus on the next few games.
With the hype and grand celebration after beating Pakistan, complacency could creep in at the cost of Team India’s peril. If that were to somehow affect Men in Blue’s prospects, the same millions, now celebrating, will come down heavily on the team like a tonne of bricks.
Team India management must be aware of the situation. One shocking loss against Bangladesh or Zimbabwe, or even a tight encounter which could happen in the shortest format of the game, and the lips will start flapping once again.
The cricket buffs who were now all praise for Virat Kohli for his match-winning knock had not spared him because of his prolonged lean patch. It is a well-known fact that nothing is fickler in the sub-continent than the oscillation between fame and blame.
India’s opening bowling was impressive against Pakistan. However, the death bowling still looks a great concern and the Men in Blue have to improve a lot for the rest of the grand tournament. Losing too many wickets by succumbing to the pressure is putting a herculean task on the lower middle order and they just can’t come with flying colours every time.
However, the best thing is that India’s first challenge to beat arch-rivals is over. Now, time is ripe to look ahead in the grand event with an open mind.