Loss to Zimbabwe a wake up call for the IPL ‘heroes’

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After an euphoric Saturday last week in Barbados, Indian cricket slumped to an ignonimous loss today. It was a complete reversal of fortunes as india went down to Zimbabwe in the 1st T20 game.

Indeed, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and this match against Zimbabwe highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport. The transition from the experienced trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja to a younger generation was bound to have some hiccups. The young players, despite their potential and talent, found themselves under immense pressure, which they couldn’t handle effectively.

The collapse of players like Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh and Dhruv Jurel underscores the importance of experience, especially in high-pressure situations.

However, it wasn’t even a high-pressure match for India. Chasing just 116 to win against a team like Zimbabwe, who didn’t even qualify for the T20 World Cup, should have been straightforward. Some may argue this wasn’t a world champion team, but it was still India.

Some of the current players from the world champion side, who were selected for the short T20 series, had opted out. The players had to return home for celebrations, and the principle of performing every day as athletes seemed to vanish into thin air. Thus, the responsibility fell on the youngsters.

But one cannot expect the experienced players to play every series. The players need rest so that they can perform to their optimum level.

While India has lost to lesser-known teams before, it is the manner in which the youngsters lost the plot that stands out. Even with the IPL providing a solid platform for these youngsters to showcase their talent, international cricket presents its own set of challenges. The absence of seasoned players who can guide and anchor the innings in critical moments was deeply felt. This loss against Zimbabwe serves as a crucial lesson for these young cricketers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure under pressure and learning to adapt quickly to different match scenarios and conditions.

VVS Laxman, as the part-time coach, will have a pivotal role in mentoring these young players. His experience and understanding of the game can help instill the necessary mental toughness and strategic acumen needed at the highest level.

After all, this isn’t the IPL. They have to be told that they are indeed playing for India. So, this defeat, though disappointing, can be a valuable learning experience, paving the way for a desirable ending to the series.

Likewise for Zimbabwe, who were on cloud nine after a wonderful win over the world champions, thanks to their captain Sikandar Raza for his all-round performance. They couldn’t have asked for more. What a scene at the Harare Sports Club! Even the commentators spoke on how the world champions were taken down, highlighting the remarkable nature of this upset.