‘There is this arrogance, they underestimate the rest’ – Andy Roberts lambasts India following WTC final loss

Indian Cricket Team. (Photo Source: Twitter)

India faced yet another heartbreak as they lost to Australia in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023. Led by Rohit Sharma, India took on Pat Cummins-led Australia in the summit clash from June 7-11 at the Oval in London. However, the Aussies dominated across the five days of play and registered a brilliant win to lift the WTC mace.

Seeing yet another subpar performance by India in a crucial match, former West Indies cricketer Sir Andy Roberts came forward to lambast their approach while going into crucial encounters. He also suggested that India underestimate their opponents, and a hint of arrogance has crept in as well.

“There is this arrogance that has crept into Indian cricket, and through this, India have underestimated the rest of the world. India must decide what their focus is—Test cricket or limited overs cricket. T20 cricket will run its course. There is no contest between bat and ball there,” Roberts told Mid-Day.

I expected India to show their batting strength: Andy Roberts

Furthermore, Roberts also opined that he expected better from the Indian batting lineup, stating that apart from Ajinkya Rahane, none of the batters fought hard. He also had tips for 23-year-old batter Shubman Gill, and reflected on Virat Kohli’s dismissal in the first innings.

“I expected India to show their batting strength. I saw no bright spot in the final, although Ajinkya Rahane fought hard; got hit on his hand. Shubman Gill looks good when he plays those shots, but he stands on leg stump and is often dismissed bowled or caught behind,” he said.

“He has good hands, but he must get behind the ball. Virat Kohli, though, got a brute of a delivery from Mitchell Starc in the first innings. India has some very good players, mind you, but they have not performed creditably away from home,” he added.

Aiming to chase down a target of 444 runs in the second innings, India only managed to score 234 runs, losing the game by a massive margin of 209 runs.