India’s WTC Final Woes Up Close“On June 11, the most awaited WTC final saw India’s top batters Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane face off against Australia in hopes of claiming their first title. Needing 280 runs on the final day, the match seemed quite evenly poised. However, Australia’s Pat Cummins and his team held the upper hand with the ability to dictate the outcome. India’s disappointing second innings saw them being bowled out for only 234 runs, following a meagre first innings tally of 296. This swift fall of seven wickets within 55 runs in a single session handed Australia a substantial lead, setting a daunting target of 444 for India.
So, what went wrong for India in this crucial match that led to their consecutive loss in the WTC final? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Bowling Woes
Despite making the decision to bowl first to capitalize on the overcast conditions, India failed to take advantage of the situation as Australia’s Steve Smith and Travis Head amassed a record-breaking partnership of 285 runs. This set the stage for Australia’s imposing total of 469 runs, giving them the upper hand in the match.
2. Top-Order Struggles
India’s top order faltered across both innings, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill failing to provide substantial contributions, while Australia’s openers also struggled, the middle order was able to offset their shortcomings.
3. Middle-Order Failures
Except for Rahane and Kohli, India’s middle order struggled overseas, with Chesteshwar Pujara disappointingly managing only 14 and 27 runs in both innings.
4. Missing Rishabh Pant
India sorely felt the absence of Rishabh Pant in the crucial match, as none of the middle-order batsmen, apart from Kohli and Rahane, managed to make a significant impact.
5. Struggles with Off-Stump Deliveries
Indian batsmen once again showed their inability to handle deliveries outside the off-stump in challenging English conditions, with Australian bowlers running rampant.
All in all, India’s poor performance at the WTC final ultimately dashed their hopes of clinching their first title yet again.“