Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin wasn’t impressed with captain Virat Kohli skipping the post-match press conference after India’s embarrassing defeat to New Zealand on Sunday (October 31) in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

After India’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the first game, the Men in Blue suffered an 8-wicket loss in their second game against New Zealand in Dubai.

Team India could manage only a paltry 110/7 in 20 overs before the Black Caps secured the match inside 15 overs with 8 wickets in hand to make a comeback in the tournament.

Following the loss to New Zealand, Kohli chose not to attend the post-match press conference, which disappointed Azharuddin, who captained India in three World Cups (1992, 1996, and 1999).

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He said that not facing the public and the media in a situation where India's chances of reaching the semi-finals hang by a thread does not send a good message and can lead to repercussions.

Azharuddin told ABP News: “There is no shame in losing. But you need to come and speak up. That is the right thing to do. People will listen to you and at least get to know the reason behind the loss. There is a difference between Bumrah speaking or a coach/captain speaking.

It is important to face the public. You will have to face the nation and come and speak. If you don’t come, what will people think? Needless rumors are going to be spread.”

He further said that not attending press conferences especially when the team losses the game is not a good sign of a true leader.

However, the former skipper said that he isn't aware why Kohli decided to send Jasprit Bumrah instead of himself for the post-match interaction, but said he should have come.

Azharuddin signed off by saying, “If you are the captain, you should take responsibility. When you become the representative of the team, this will happen. If you come to attend a conference after winning in good times but not after losing in bad times, that isn’t the right approach. I don’t know the reason why he didn’t come, but he should have.”