India has been off to a fearful start in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, losing its opening two games. Meanwhile, Monty Panesar feels that all is not well between Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni.
Team India has had a dreadful start in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The side has lost its opening two games to arch-rival Pakistan and New Zealand. As it stares at an early exit, it is in a do-or-die situation in the remaining three games, besides hoping for other results to go its way.
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While things are not going the right way for Virat Kohli and co, many have questioned Kohli's leadership abilities and decision-making skills, especially when it comes to team selections. Notably, this happens to be his final outing as the Indian skipper in the format. Also, some have blamed the preceding Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for causing fatigue among the players.
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Meanwhile, former English spinner Monty Panesar has given a controversial opinion regarding Team India. Speaking to Times of India, he has said that Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and mentor MS Dhoni are not on the same page. Although he noted that the toss plays a crucial factor in matches in UAE, India does not have the best playing combination either.
He reckoned that Kohli is running low on confidence now, while he needs to chalk out a proper plan with Shastri and Dhoni, and they need to do it quickly, as time seems to be running out for the side. Panesar feels that the team needs to work on "approach, play and strategy".
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Talking about India's qualification chances, Panesar stated that while it can still turn things around, it would depend heavily on the above trio's planning. He believed that while people would admire Kohli as a top batter, his leadership abilities would always be subject to criticism, besides maintaining that the side would need to give its 200% in the remaining matches.
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He was also amused by the fact that cricket happens to be funny and brutal at the same time. He asserted that the side would aim to win the remaining three games and give the side a chance to compete for the title. Although he was aware that other results need to go India's way, he feels that it would be the ultimate send-off for Kohli as the T20I skipper, as a great player like him certainly deserves a top prize.