Australia defeated India in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023, causing India to suffer yet another crushing defeat. India, led by Rohit Sharma, faced Australia, headed by Pat Cummins, in the summit clash from June 7-11 at the Oval in London. However, the Australians dominated throughout the five days of competition and recorded a spectacular victory to claim the WTC trophy. Former West Indies cricketer Sir Andy Roberts criticised India’s approach heading into crucial matches after observing yet another subpar performance by the team. In addition, he implied that India underestimates their opponents, and a trace of arrogance seeped in.
“This arrogance has infiltrated Indian cricket, and as a result, India has underrated the rest of the globe. India must choose between Test cricket and limited overs cricket as their primary emphasis. T20 cricket will reach its endpoint. There is no competition between the bat and the projectile,” Roberts told Mid-Day.
I anticipated India to demonstrate their batting prowess: Andy Roberts
In addition, Roberts stated that he expected more from the Indian batting order, stating that with the exception of Ajinkya Rahane, none of the batters exerted themselves. He also provided advice for the 23-year-old batsman Shubman Gill and reflected on the dismissal of Virat Kohli in the first innings.
“I expected India to demonstrate their batting prowess. Although Ajinkya Rahane fought valiantly and received a hand injury in the final, I saw no shining spots. “Shubman Gill looks good when he plays those shots, but he often stands on leg stump and is bowled out or caught behind,” he said.
“He possesses dexterous hands, but he must get behind the ball. Mitchell Starc, however delivered a brutal ball to Virat Kohli in the first innings. He added, “India has some very good players, but they have not performed well away from home.”
India, attempting to hunt down a target of 444 runs in the second inning, scored only 234 runs and lost by a massive margin of 209 runs.