In the ever-evolving world of cricket, not only the battles on the field but also the verbal duels off it often take centre stage. One such incident unfolded when former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull made startling comments about India’s approach to fearless cricket. Doull’s remarks stirred a commotion in the cricketing community, especially in the lead-up to the ICC World Cup, where India is set to host the prestigious event.
Simon Doull, a familiar voice behind the microphone, left cricket enthusiasts bewildered with his audacious comments regarding India’s style of play. Doull questioned India’s ability to play fearless cricket when it matters most, particularly in major tournaments like the ICC World Cup. As two-time champions, India’s cricketing prowess is undeniable, but Doull’s doubts added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming tournament.
India’s cricketing history is laden with achievements and moments of glory. The Men In Blue last clinched the ICC World Cup in 2011 when they hosted the event. However, the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In the 2019 World Cup, India faced a heartbreaking exit in the semi-final at the hands of Kane Williamson’s New Zealand. This loss left cricket fans pondering what went wrong during those crucial 45 minutes of play.
Former India captain Virat Kohli, known for his honesty, openly admitted that those 45 minutes of bad cricket cost India a spot in the World Cup final. The nation mourned the missed opportunity, and it served as a reminder that in cricket, moments can change the course of history.
In response to Simon Doull’s controversial comments, former India pacer Shanthakumaran Nair Sreesanth came out swinging. Sreesanth boldly claimed that New Zealand’s victory in the 2019 semi-finals was more about luck than skill. He pointed out the dramatic run-out of MS Dhoni in the 49th over, a moment that changed the game’s dynamics. Dhoni’s crucial fifty in that match turned out to be his final innings as he bid farewell to international cricket in 2020.
“New Zealand are coming to India. They will get to know if India play attacking cricket or not. We will thrash them. They got lucky in 2019 with MS Dhoni getting run out due to a direct hit. What did you do after playing the final? They made a team like England win the World Cup, who hadn’t won a 50-over World Cup until then. New Zealand are never going to win. Yes, they might win in the future, but it will be embarrassing for them this time. If you get a chance address the media, please think before you speak. If you are ready to give, you should be able to take it also.” Sreesanth told Sportskeeda.
Sreesanth didn’t hold back when he predicted a triumphant performance by India in the 2023 World Cup, especially against New Zealand. He expressed confidence that the Indian team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, would exhibit attacking cricket that would dazzle the cricketing world. He also mentioned that New Zealand might have a lot to learn from Rohit’s men during the tournament.
‘If You Want To Win The World Cup, Then You Have To Beat…’, Gautam Gambhir Comes With An Interesting Analysis
“I just want to tell Simon Doull that Indians are going to have a blast against New Zealand. New Zealand are going to learn a lot against India. Yes, there have been certain matches where they have done well against us, especially in ICC events. But those times have gone now. If any of these cricketers get to know what you said, and if Virat is made aware of it, it will be a lot of fun to watch that match,” he added.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ICC World Cup, the clash between India and New Zealand takes on new significance. The exchange of words between Doull and Sreesanth has added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. It remains to be seen whether words will turn into actions on the field as the two cricketing giants prepare to face off.
