India’s timid approach in T20 should change: Former England great Nasser Hussain

Team India’s debacle in the recently concluded T20 World Cup in Australia has raised some uncomfortable questions over their approach to the 20 over cricket tournaments. The humiliating defeat against England in the second semifinal has put the career of several veteran players in jeopardy.

Explosive all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the skipper of the T20 team. Some of the experts are of the opinion that Pandya could bring a fresh approach and a change of fortune for Team India in the shortest format of the game. However, former England captain Nasser Hussain feels it’s not the players but the mindset of the Men in Blue that needs to change.

As per Hussain, India needs an Eoin Morgan like personality to make such a change in their T20 set up. In a chat with Michael Atherton on Sky Sports Cricket, Hussain said that it is team India’s ‘timid approach’ that led to their exit in the knockout clash against formidable England.

“India are still a massive force. They look pretty strong on paper. There were a couple of blows like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja being injured. But, when it comes to knockout games, the approach needs to change,” said Hussain.

As per the former England great, even former head coach and team director Ravi Shastri has also admitted about the timid approach of Team India.

“Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid could change India’s approach only in bilateral series. However, India went back into their old pattern in the semifinal against England and opted for a cautious approach in the powerplay,” said Hussain.

“There is talk about younger guns coming through but it’s not the players, but the mindset. They need an Eoin Morgan-type character to go in there and inspire and motivate players to play carefree cricket. Play like you play in the IPL and smash it,” he added.