West Indies legendary fast bowler Curtly Ambrose talked about the reasons behind Team India's struggles in the ICC events saying that the Virat Kohli-led side may be changing their game plan in the knockouts, which affects their performances in the big games.
Team India suffered a disappointing 8-wicket loss in the WTC final against New Zealand, due to a poor batting performance on the reserve day of the final, which made New Zealand chase just 139 runs for the win.
India last won an ICC event in 2013 when they won the Champions Trophy in England. Since then, they have reached the finals of the T20 World Cup 2014, Champions Trophy 2017, and WTC 2021, while finishing semi-finalists in the T20 World Cup 2016, World Cup 2015, and World Cup 2019.
The loss in the WTC 2021 final marked Team India’s fifth straight defeat in the knockout stages of the ICC tournaments.
In an interaction on 'The Curtly & Karishma Show' on YouTube, former West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose discussed why Team India, despite being so successful, tends to fail on a consistent basis in the finals or semi-finals of ICC events.
"In the last 6-7 ICC events, Team India has failed in the finals or lost in the semi-finals. I am just wondering (why). Because they have been so successful. But when you get to those big occasions, they tend to fail on a consistent basis," Curtly Ambrose said.
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Ambrose suggested that Team India shouldn't change its approach and plans in knockout or high-pressure games and instead should look to continue with what made them successful and keep improving on the same.
"Is it a situation where they change their game plan or they put themselves under pressure because of the occasion? If that is the case, then it is wrong. As a former cricketer (I can say), the things that you do to make you successful, to get you to where you are, you continue to do them and try to improve.
"You don’t change your game plan or style of play because it is semi-final or final. That is their loss. You've got to keep doing what you have been doing all along, that brought you success,"
Curtly Ambrose further praised New Zealand for their performance, especially their speedsters for their efforts in the match. He added that Kane Williamson as a skipper has led his team magnificently for years.
"You have to give New Zealand credit. They have got some fantastic bowlers in their line-up. They have got Southee, Boult, and Wagner for the company and Kyle Jamieson.
“These guys, when they get conditions that suit them, are more than a handful. And, they are led by a wonderful captain. I have got a lot of respect for Kane Williamson. He has led this team for years magnificently," he concluded
