T20 World Cup 2021: India Can Still Qualify, But It Needs A Lot Of Things And All Will Depend On Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri And MS Dhoni – Monty Panesar

Former England, spinner Monty Panesar, has opined that India National Cricket Team can still qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, but a lot of things will be dependent on Head Coach Ravi Shastri, Mentor MS Dhoni and Captain Virat Kohli.

India entered the tournament as the favourites to win the championship. However, they have performed horribly in the marquee event.

India lost the first match against arch-rivals Pakistan by 10 wickets and the second game against Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by 8 wickets. Now they have to win the three upcoming games and depend on other teams to qualify semi-finals.

Meanwhile, In an exclusive interview with Times of India, Monty Panesar has said that he feels Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and MS Dhoni are not on the same page. He asserted:

“India can still qualify. They can still turn it around. But it needs a lot of things and all will depend on Virat, Ravi and Dhoni. Virat, Ravi and Dhoni need to be on the same page. I believe they are not.”

Panesar further added that people will remember Virat as a great batsman, but he will also face criticism for his captaincy. He elaborated:

“People will remember Virat as a great batsman and massive chaser but will always criticize him as a leader because he couldn’t do anything when the team was under crisis and he failed to turn it around. India need to win all the three games massively,”

Toss Played A Crucial Role In The Tournament – Monty Panesar

Former England spinner believes that toss is playing a big role in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, and the toss winning team always has the upper hand. Notably, Virat Kohli has lost both of the tosses so far in the tournament.

“Toss played a crucial role in the tournament. In UAE, the team who wins the toss first, they have an upper hand. If India had won the toss, things would have been different.” Said Monty Panesar.

Monty Panesar concluded by saying that Kohli doesn’t have the best playing XI, and he is low on confidence. He elaborated:

“Virat doesn’t have the best XI at the moment. He is low on confidence. Virat, Ravi and Dhoni need to sit down and sort this out quickly as some easy games are coming up. They need to work things out in terms of approach, play and strategy,”

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Afghanistan Is A Serious Threat, Take Them Lightly At Your Own Peril: Aakash Chopra To Team India