West Indies legendary fast bowler Curtly Ambrose on Tuesday pondered over the reasons behind India’s struggles in the ICC events and said that the Virat Kohli-led Indian team may be changing their game plan in the knockouts, which may be affecting their performances in the big games.
Curtly Ambrose on India’s failure in WTC21
Ambrose’s remarks came just a few days after India lost to Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship final.
“In the last 6-7 ICC events, Team India has failed in the finals or lost in the semi-finals. I am just wondering (why). Because they have been so successful. But when you get to those big occasions, they tend to fail on a consistent basis,” Ambrose said on ‘The Curtly & Karishma Show’ on YouTube.
“Is it a situation where they change their game plan or they put themselves under pressure because of the occasion? If that is the case, then it is wrong. As a former cricketer (I can say), the things that you do to make you successful, to get you to where you are, you continue to do them and try to improve.”
Watch The Curtly & Karishma Show WTC21 Episode
India last won an ICC event in 2013 when they won the Champions Trophy in England. Since, they have reached the final of the 2014 World T20, 2017 Champions Trophy, and 2021 WTC, while finishing semi-finalists in the 2016 World T20, 2015 World Cup, and 2019 World Cup.
“You don’t change your game plan or style of play because it is semi-final or final. That is their loss. You’ve got to keep doing what you have been doing all along, that brought you success,” he further added.
Ambrose further went on to praise New Zealand for their performance and lauded the Kiwi speedsters for their efforts in the match.
“You have to give New Zealand credit. They have got some fantastic bowlers in their line-up. They have got Tim Southee, Boult, and Wagner for the company and Kyle Jamieson. These guys, when they get conditions that suit them, are more than a handful. And, they are led by a wonderful captain. I have got a lot of respect for Kane Williamson. He has led this team for years magnificently,” Ambrose signed off.
