T20 World Cup 2021: We Saw A Fearful Mindset - VVS Laxman Laments India's "Disappointing" Batting Performance

Former batsman VVS Laxman has criticised Team India‘s “fearful mindset” during their batting capitulation versus New Zealand on Sunday night when the batters could manage only 110 runs in 20 overs on a decent Dubai.

That New Zealand chased down the total inside 15 overs, riding on Daryl Mitchell’s 35-ball 49, indicated that the pitch wasn’t challenging to bat on.

But it was the mindset of the Indian batters that made their own lives difficult, according to VVS Laxman.

“There is a question mark over the mindset because the mindset with which you need to play T20 cricket was not seen. We saw a fearful mindset and batting. It was a disappointing performance from the batters because there is no lacking of experience or talent,” VVS Laxman said while speaking on Star Sports.

In the powerplay, India lost both the openers – Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul while putting up 35 runs in 6 overs. VVS Laxman observed that the Indian batters didn’t bat fearlessly in the powerplay nor were able to rotate the strike in the middle-overs.

“But you need to bat fearlessly when you play T20 cricket but the tentativeness was seen in the body language. When you lose two or three wickets in the powerplay and don’t rotate the strike in the middle overs, the dot ball percentage increases and the pressure mounts on you. The shot selection was also slightly wrong,” he added.

The only change I will want to see is the mindset: VVS Laxman

India will next meet Afghanistan on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, and Scotland and Nambia after that. With two losses, and the second one being by a significant margin, India are pushed on the brink of elimination.

They need three massive victories and other results to go their way as well.

VVS Laxman demanded a change in the approach – going from conservative to attacking – in their next match.

“The only change I will want to see is the mindset. If you play your natural game against Afghanistan and with the positive mindset, you can definitely maintain pressure on the Afghanistan bowlers.

“You cannot lose wickets in the first six overs because the middle order will come under a lot of pressure if you lose two or three wickets. They will also have to pay attention to the net run rate,” the 47-year-old commentator maintained.

Pakistan are leading Group 2 with 6 points, followed by Afghanistan, who have four points after wins over Scotland and Namibia. New Zealand and Namibia hold the third and the fourth spot respectively with two points each, while India languish at the fifth and Scotland at last with no points.

Also Read: It’s High Time BCCI Looks Into Their Scheduling And Make Sure They Take Care Of Players – Kris Srikkanth