In the aftermath of India’s collapse against Australia in the World Test Championship final, the wounds are still fresh for the Indian cricket team. Criticism continues to pour in, particularly regarding their performances in ICC knockouts. Joining the chorus of disapproval is legendary West Indies pacer, Andy Roberts, who accuses India of displaying arrogance and overconfidence. Roberts, a prominent member of the famous Windies pace quartet and widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his time, believes it is crucial for India to reassess their priorities.
Roberts pointedly addresses what he perceives as an arrogance that has infiltrated Indian cricket, leading them to underestimate the rest of the world. In his opinion, India must make a decision about where their focus lies: Test cricket or limited-overs formats. While acknowledging the popularity of T20 cricket, Roberts sees it as an imbalanced contest between bat and ball, urging India to consider their long-term goals.
Despite having high expectations for India’s batting prowess, Roberts found no silver linings in the final, except for Ajinkya Rahane’s valiant fight despite sustaining an injury to his hand. Roberts expressed concerns about Shubman Gill’s technique, noting his tendency to position himself on the leg stump, which often results in dismissals bowled or caught behind. Even though he recognizes Virat Kohli’s talent, Roberts emphasizes that the Indian captain fell victim to a superb delivery from Mitchell Starc in the first innings. Ultimately, Roberts believes that while India boasts exceptional players, their performance away from home has not lived up to expectations.
