One of the greatest players of all time, Ian Chappell Criticized Ben Stokes’s captaincy after India defeated England by a huge margin of 4-1 in the recent series played between the two sides.
England started this series in grand style and won the opening encounter of the series, but later on went on to lose four matches on the trot. Ian Chappell gave the example of the fourth test between the two sides, where Ben Stokes’s aggressive captaincy cost England a match.
In his column for ESPNCRICINFO, Chappell wrote, “Rohit Sharma and Ben Stokes have waged an intriguing captaincy battle in their Test series.
However, Stokes’ aggressive leadership faltered at a crucial time, and India, well led by Rohit, claimed the series with a resounding victory in the fourth Test in Ranchi.”
Chappell further added,On the third evening, Stokes desperately needed to start India’s chase with his best two bowlers and try to claim at least one wicket. Incredibly, he gave the ball to a part-timer, Joe Root, and ignored the experienced, probing bowling of Jimmy Anderson. India took full advantage and scored an invaluable 40 runs in just eight overs.”
“Stokes missed a trick in Ranchi. He then compounded his error by allowing too many easy singles on the final day by resorting to some cautious field placements. At a time when Stokes needed to be extremely brave as captain and hope he got lucky, he was abnormally conservative.”
Chappell further criticized Ben Stokes, saying that he failed as the captain during the chase and asking him to seek an example from Pakistan’s greatest batsman, Javed Miandad.
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Chappell wrote,”India probably would still have won, but at least by going on the attack, Stokes would have given England their best chance of an upset victory. Stokes could improve his captaincy in demanding chases if he took the example of the leadership master in those situations—Pakistan’s Javed Miandad.”
Chappell further went on to praise Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, saying, “Rohit proceeded to take full advantage of the tentative field placings with a thoughtful innings, and India’s solid opening partnership helped seal victory.”
