In the wake of India’s inability to win the T20 World Cup 2022, despite possessing the most lucrative T20 league in the world, some overseas former cricketers and analysts reckon that Indian cricket is falling behind due to their overdependence on the IPL.
At a press conference on Thursday, November 17, Shastri was asked for his views on the much-debated topic. Making his thoughts crystal clear, he replied:
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan also shared similar views. According to him, it’s not about playing franchise cricket only but about going to different countries to learn things. Zaheer feels that the BCCI is doing a good job in that context and elaborated:
Ironically, India have not won the T20 World Cup since the start of the IPL. Their only triumph in the event came in the inaugural edition in 2007, a year before the launch of the Indian T20 league.
Following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2022, India’s focus will now shift to preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Stand-in head coach VVS Laxman recently stated that the T20 format will see more specialists going forward. Agreeing with the suggestion, Shastri chipped in:
India’s first T20I assignment following the World Cup will be a white-ball tour of New Zealand, which begins with the first T20I on Friday, November 18, in Wellington.
“It will be a good exposure for him” - Zaheer Khan on Umran Malik being picked for India’s tour of New Zealand
Asked about India’s bowling combination for the New Zealand series, Zaheer stated that the visitors would look to go in with four fast-bowling options. He opined:
He also named young fast bowler Umran Malik as someone who has a good chance to learn and grow on the tour. Zaheer concluded:
Umran has played three T20Is for India, claiming two wickets at an average of 56 and an economy rate of 12.44.
Watch the India tour of New Zealand live and exclusive on Prime Video from Nov 18 - Nov 30. The T20Is on 18th, 20th and 22nd November begin 11 am, and ODIs on 25th, 27th and 30th November begin 6 am.
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