XtraTime Web Desk: Former Indian skipper was left baffled not by the defeat but rather by the manner of it.
After England ended India’s unbeaten run in the Cricket World Cup with a 31-run victory at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham on Sunday.
The lack of intent from the Dhoni, forced Sourav Ganguly to be at a loss for words, as he wicketkeeper-batsman continued to take singles with the match slipping from India’s grip.
“I don’t have an explanation for that. You asked me the question but I can’t explain these singles. It’s also the length and the bounce that has deceived the Indian batsmen. You can’t be chasing 338 and still have 5 wickets in the end. It’s about mindset and the way you look at the game. The message had to be clear: no matter where it comes and no matter where the ball lands you have to find the boundary. A dot ball at this stage!,” Ganguly said.
After the end of the match, Ganguly blasted the Indian batsmen for their lack of intent when chasing down a total in excess of 300.
“The first 10 overs and the last 6 overs left a lot to be desired. Hopefully they will go back and reflect because they have been in excellent form this WC. The intent was not good enough. I would have been more happy if India were 300 all-out. This situation can happen again and they will have to find different ways to succeed in the first and last 10 overs,” Ganguly told.
A win would have assured India of a place in the semi-finals but as it stands, they are second in the points table with 11 points from 7 matches. They can book place in the last-four with win over Bangladesh on Tuesday.
Sourav thinks Bangladesh also has a very good batting line up. He said, ” Bangladesh got a strong batting. If they score 300 plus runs can India chase it? India have to look for the solution. India will definitely play the Semi Final of the World Cup but if the Men in blue will look to lift the trophy they have to careful about their batting.”