The Indian team had a terrible outing on Tuesday where they were outplayed by the mighty Australians. Even after amassing 208 runs, they could not hold fort and succumbed in front of the Kangaroos. The Indian team's sloppy fielding and bowling came in for sharp criticism.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded 52 runs in his 4-over spell and Umesh Yadav gave away 27 runs in 2 overs. The Indian fielders also had an awful time on the field as there were a couple of dropped chances during Australia's innings. The former India coach was commentating during the first T20 and was disappointed with India’s fielding.
He stated on Star Sports, "If you look at all the top Indian teams over the years, there is youth and experience. I find the youth missing here and hence the fielding. If you look at the last five-six years, fielding-wise, I think this side is no match to any of the top sides when it comes to fielding. And that can hit badly in big tournaments”.
"If you look around the field, you tell me where is brilliance? There is no Jadeja. Where is brilliance? Where is that X-factor?" he said.
Under the coaching of Shastri, Team India was one of the best sides and this ordinary performance against Australia probably saddened him. Brilliant performances from Cameron Green and Mathew Wade helped Australia beat India by four wickets at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. With this win, Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series. Rohit's deputy, KL Rahul hit a 50-plus score. Suryakumar Yadav was another star batter for India as he played a valuable 25-ball 46 run innings for the team. Hardik Pandya closed India's innings by smashing three back-to-back sixes to power team India to 208/6 in 20 overs.
India will be facing Australia in the 2nd T20I match in Nagpur on 23rd September. The final T20I will be played in Hyderabad. After this, India will play three T20s and three ODIs against South Africa.