A dejected Indian captain, Virat Kohli, said that his team hadn’t been brave enough on the day against New Zealand in Dubai. India lost by 8 wickets on Sunday, and are yet to pick up a point from two games.
The defeat also means they now have a very slim chance of qualifying for the semi-final and their chances will now also depend on New Zealand's next few Group 2 matches.
“I don't think we were brave enough with bat or ball. Didn't have much to defend but we weren't brave when we walked out to field,” Kohli said.
Speaking about the pressure of expectations to come good on the big day, Kohli said that it is part of the job and they have to embrace it. India’s performances have been below par in the first two games they’ve played in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
"When you play for the Indian cricket team you have a lot of expectations - not just from fans, but players as well. So there's always going to be more pressure with our games and we've embraced it over the years. Everyone who plays for India has to embrace it. And when you cope together as a team you overcome it and we haven't done it these two games. Just because you're the Indian team and there are expectations doesn't mean you start playing differently," Kohli asserted.
India have Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland to play after this and their chances for qualifying for the semi-finals is not in their control anymore.
Image: BlackCaps
Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson praised his team for a fantastic all-round performance.
"There's always planning going into games. But a fantastic all-round performance from us against a formidable India side. We were able to build pressure throughout and the way the openers came out really set the platform," he said.
The New Zealand skipper said the balance in his bowling unit was the reason for their success.
"The balance of our attack has two spinners in it, I think the collective unit was impressive, the way they kept passing the baton. We saw some very good signs in our first match as well and we built on that."
He praised Ish Sodhi for his performance on Sunday. "Ish is an outstanding T20 bowler, white-ball bowler in particular. He's been a big part and played in a number of competitions, and in these conditions, spin will play a part," Williamson said on Sunday.
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