Poor selection, outdated tactics: Ex-players react to India's insipid show

India has been pushed to the brink of elimination after Virat Kohli and his men slumped to their second loss at the ongoing T20 World Cup, leaving the cricket fraternity infuriated.

A seemingly jaded India endured an eight-wicket loss to a clinical New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.

It was India’s second straight defeat after being handed a 10-wicket thrashing by Pakistan in their tournament opener at the same venue a week ago.

Pegged as favourites going into the tournament, the defeat against the Black Caps has put India in serious danger of losing out on a semi-final berth.

Also read: Exit doors loom large after India get beaten at its own game

Here’s how a stunned cricket fraternity reacted to India’s loss, questioning their tactics, intent and techniques of their batters.

• Virender Sehwag:

Very disappointing from India. NZ were amazing. India’s body language wasn’t great, poor shot selection & like few times in the past, New Zealand have virtually ensured we won’t make it to the next stage. This one will hurt India & time for some serious introspection #IndvsNZ

Very disappointing from India. NZ were amazing. India’s body language wasn’t great, poor shot selection & like few times in the past, New Zealand have virtually ensured we won’t make it to the next stage. This one will hurt India & time for some serious introspection #IndvsNZ

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 31, 2021

• Irfan Pathan:

In any big tournament you can’t change the playing 11 in just one game and get desired results. Players need stability And I’m surprised this is happening with some big names taking decisions. #ind
Well done NZ you were too good today. And for team India, they need to get together and perform miracles. Time is running out. #indvsnz

In any big tournament you can’t change the playing 11 in just one game and get desired results. Players need stability And I’m surprised this is happening with some big names taking decisions. #ind

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 31, 2021

• VVS Laxman:

This defeat should hurt Team India. Tentative with the bat, their shot selection was questionable. New Zealand bowled superbly, but India made their task easier. With their net run rate also taking a beating, a semi-final spot looks a distant dream #INDvNZ #T20WorldCup

This defeat should hurt Team India. Tentative with the bat, their shot selection was questionable. New Zealand bowled superbly, but India made their task easier. With their net run rate also taking a beating, a semifinal spot looks a distant dream #INDvNZ #T20WorldCup

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 31, 2021

• Sunil Gavaskar:

I don’t know if it is a fear of failure but I know that whatever changes they made to the batting order today did not work. Rohit Sharma is such a great batsman and he has been sent in at No.3. Kohli himself, who has made so many runs at No.3 demotes himself to No.4.

A young player like Ishan Kishan has been given the responsibility of opening the batting. Ishan Kishan is a hit-or-miss player and it is better if a batsman like him walks in No.4 or No.5.

• Madan Lal:

It is unfortunate because India have looked more impatient than they normally do in both these matches. If you don’t make runs then you won’t come into the match. A target of 111 can be defended only if a miracle happens. India were outclassed in both the matches. In this format if you don’t get in front early, it becomes difficult.

• Harbhajan Singh:

Let’s not be harsh on our players. yes we know them for better cricket. Sabse jyada players ko hurt hota hai after such results. but well done to @BLACKCAPS NZ for winning the match. they were fantastic in all departments

Let’s not be harsh on our players.yes we know them for better cricket.Sabse jyada players ko hurt hota hai after such results.but well done to @BLACKCAPS NZ for winning th match.they were fantastic in all departments @BCCI @T20WorldCup @ICC @StarSportsIndia

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 31, 2021

• Michael Vaughan:

India should take a leaf out of all other countries Allow their players to play in other leagues around the World to gain experience #India #T20WorldCup
Let’s be honest For all the talent & depth in #India cricket they under achieved massively for years in white ball Cricket #Fact #T20WorldCup

India should take a leaf out of all other countries … Allow their players to play in other leagues around the World to gain experience … #India #T20WorldCup

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 31, 2021

• Azhar Ali:

It’s not looking good for India… but we all want India to stay in the tournament. This early exit of India won’t be good for the event Pensive face #INDvsNZ #ICCT20WorldCup

It’s not looking good for India.. but we all want India to stay in the tournament. This early exit of India won’t be good for the event 😔 #INDvsNZ #ICCT20WorldCup

— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) October 31, 2021

• Shoaib Akhtar:

A disappointing performance by India. Really expected a better & strong performance! The Indian team looked clueless tonight I really don’t know why.
Why did you send that kid Ishan Kishan to open, Hardik Pandya is bowling in the end. He should have bowled before.

They played really bad cricket. India looked in so much pressure. I have no idea what policy, game plan India was following. It was a lost squad. No planning, everybody pressed their panic button, Kohli not batting at his position, Rohit too.

The Indian team looked clueless tonight I really don’t know why😳.. pic.twitter.com/c2nbGQIWkN

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 31, 2021

• Nick Compton:

I just don’t understand how Kohli’s prickly relationship with Ashwin is allowed to keep him out of Indian teams? Do you think Captains should be allowed such autonomy?

(With inputs from Agencies)