Going into the first Twenty20 International (T20I) of the three-match series against Australia, Team India were undoubtedly favourites considering the hosts have seen their worst phase in limited-overs cricket in recent times.
Going into the first Twenty20 International (T20I) of the three-match series against Australia, Team India were undoubtedly favourites considering the hosts have seen their worst phase in limited-overs cricket in recent times.
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However, the visitors got a reality check when they fell short by four runs and Australia snatched a much-needed victory and went 1-0 up in the series.
India have themselves and no one else to blame for this result as the captain and the rest of the boys made errors that could have been easily avoided but eventually, cost them the match.
Here are five reasons why India lost the first T20I at the Gabba, Brisbane on Wednesday:
Kohli's bowling strategy wasn't the best
Knowing Chris Lynn's image of giving his team flying starts, especially in the shortest format, Kohli should have brought in the spinner much early than he actually brought. Kohli brought Kuldeep Yadav into the attack only in the seventh over but by then Lynn had done the damage. Kuldeep dismissed D'Arcy Short first before bagging Lynn's wicket. Lynn had by then done his job with a contribution of 37 crucial runs off just 20 balls. Kohli made the same mistake when Maxwell was on fire. Maxwell's struggles against wrist spinners are not hidden and the Indian captain should have used Kuldeep more against him. PC: AFP
Rishabh Pant's failed finishes
Even the Indian skipper Virat Kohli has admitted that Pant's dismissal was the turning point of the match or in a harsher way, that cost India the game. Pant has been in situations like this quite a few times in recent times but he has repeatedly failed to show maturity and responsibilty. Like today, he got out because he attempted to play the stylish scoop-shot which was not the demand of the situation. More than going for the big shots, India needed him to save his wicket and provide Karthik the required support from the other end. PC: AFP