India’s recent struggle in the fifth T20I match against West Indies on Sunday, August 12, proved costly as they handed over the five-match series to their opponents with a score of 3-2. While the first couple of T20Is saw India in the lead, a resurgence from the West Indies side saw them win the following two matches, culminating in a decisive showdown in Lauderhill, Florida. The performance showcased Romario Shepherd’s impressive four-wicket haul and Brandon King’s brilliant unbeaten 85 off 55 balls, effectively handing Hardik Pandya his first series loss as captain.
Former Indian pace bowler, Venkatesh Prasad, didn’t mince his words while criticizing the Indian cricket team post their series defeat. Expressing his discontent, Prasad noted that the ‘Men in Blue’ have displayed mediocrity in white-ball cricket for an extended period. He implored the team to avoid resorting to “silly statements” and instead focus on a thorough analysis of their shortcomings.
In a candid message posted on his ‘X’ account, Venkatesh Prasad expressed his thoughts, saying, “India has been a very, very ordinary limited overs side for sometime now. They have been humbled by a West Indies side that failed to qualify for the T20 WC few months back. We had also lost to Ban in the ODI series. Hope they introspect instead of making silly statements. #IndvWI.”
Prasad did not hold back his observations on the Indian captain either. In his assessment, he pointed out that Hardik Pandya appeared “clueless” during the T20I series. Prasad further criticized the team for a lack of hunger and intensity in crucial moments of the game.
“India needs to improve their skillset. There is a hunger and intensity deficiency, and often the captain looked clueless. Bowlers can’t bat, batsmen can’t bowl. It’s important to not look for yes men and be blinded because someone is your favourite player, but look at the larger good,” Prasad reiterated in a separate tweet.
Looking ahead, India’s cricketing journey continues with a three-match T20I series against Ireland. Jasprit Bumrah, who has been eagerly awaited, is set to make his return to the field. Additionally, Bumrah will assume the role of captaincy, leading India in the series that commences with the first T20I match on Friday, August 18, in Dublin. The series will not only serve as a platform for redemption but also as an opportunity for India to reaffirm their cricketing prowess on the international stage.
