As per Shastri, Indian players were drained by staying in bio-bubble for 6 months heading into the T20 World Cup.
See Also: Babar Azam backs Fakhar Zaman and Hasan Ali to fire in semis against Australia
As per Shastri, Indian players were drained by staying in bio-bubble for 6 months heading into the T20 World Cup and a longer break between IPL and the ICC event would have served them better.
Notably, Team India failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final. The Virat Kohli-led side suffered heavy defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand in the Super 12 stage before bouncing back to register wins over Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia.
“Look there are always ups and downs in professional cricket but yes players do get disturbed and uncomfortable by remaining constantly in a bio-secure bubble environment.
“We have tried to counter that by working as a group and trying to support each other in the Pakistan team,” Babar told a virtual press conference on Tuesday (November 9).
The Pakistan captain admitted that it had not been easy for the players to constantly remain in a confined environment since last year.
“As a player you need to relax and be ready to absorb the pressure. But at times when things are not going well you need space and you need to refresh, go out on an outing and if you can’t get out of the bubble negative thoughts do enter your mind and affect your performances,” he said.
Babar said Pakistan had tried to overcome the situation by working as a group.
“We all try to talk to each other all the time in groups and help out each other by lifting each other and it allows us to relax and encourage as well,” he added.
The Babar Azam-led Pakistan side has qualified for the semi-final, having won all their five Super 12 matches in Group 2. They will take on Australia in the second semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on November 11.
“We have performed well so far in every match we want to carry the same momentum into the semi-finals. As a group we have done our best and everyone has given his best but every match is a new challenge and this is T20 cricket you have to remain sharp on the given day,” he said.
“Everyone takes responsibility, everyone’s role is clear. In the semi finals we want to continue positively but it is all about how you perform on the day,” he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)