India is two matches down in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, having lost the opening games to Pakistan and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir feels that the team's mentality is not strong enough to win big games.
Former champion India is not having the best of time in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. It is off to a dreadful start, having lost its opening two games to arch-rival and fellow former champion Pakistan and New Zealand. As a result, India is starting at an early exit from the tournament.
FULL SCORECARD: ICC T20 World Cup 2021, India vs New Zealand (Super 12)
India has lost the toss and was forced to bat first on each occasion, while its batting has been subject to heavy criticism following an immature show. Also, its bowling has been somewhat lacklustre, hardly producing any pressure on the opponent batters. Plus, with this being skipper Virat Kohli's final outing in the format as the skipper, stress is at an all-time high on him.
On the same note, legendary former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed Kohli and co, besides stating that the side has lacked mental toughness, as it could barely perform in the big matches. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he compared it to the bilateral series, where the team can afford to make mistakes and bounce back in the remaining games against a particular side, which is not the case in tournaments like this, where the sides keep playing different opponents.
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Elaborating further, Gambhir added that the side had enough talent and skills, making it a formidable team. He clarified that everyone needs to stand by the team even if it's not performing. However, he reminded that things like this have been going on for some time now, especially in ICC tournaments. The team has succumbed chiefly in the semis of late, while when it came to someone being a standout performer to lead the side to glory, none has been able to.