The Sadness of India’s Missed Opportunity at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Semifinal

When reflecting on the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal, the predominant emotion is one of profound sadness. There are two moments that encapsulate this feeling—the expression on MS Dhoni's face as he headed to the pavilion and the manner of his dismissing. This article delves into these emotions, the broader implications, and the harsh realities of India’s cricketing history.

Dismissing Dhoni and the Unusual Occurrence

The sadness is exacerbated by Dhoni's dismissal. It's rare to witness the captain getting run out, particularly by such a narrow margin. This incident mirrors the IPL Finals where, yet again, Dhoni was run out while attempting the second run. What Dhoni did at that precise moment was right—he wanted the strike, and the team could not afford to set down dots with a newcomer such as Bhuvneshwar at the other end. However, the natural forces seemed against India’s chances. We have seen many instances where the ball narrowly misses the stumps despite a fielder's best efforts to run a batsman out, but not in this match. Guptill, standing over 30 meters away, made a direct hit. Had we lost the match much more broadly or Dhoni been stumped while hitting a six, the sadness would have been slightly mitigated. However, the way he was dismissed in what might have been his last World Cup game is a disservice to such a legendary player.

Post-Match Analysis: Dhoni’s Statements and Team Dynamics

MS Dhoni’s statement after the event, “we are proud the way we played,” often repeated in ICC events, underscores the broader issue with India’s approach. If teams only remain proud by reaching the semifinals or finals, they will struggle to win the title. Great teams achieve greatness by winning the titles, not by losing them. This is reflected in how Australia won their five world cups through such victories.

Virat Kohli, the team captain, also highlighted the team's performance in the 45 minutes leading to their exit, suggesting a lack of faith in the remaining players. The belief or lack thereof in players like Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya reflects a deeper issue within the team's strategy and confidence.

The Harsh Reality of India's Cricketing History

The above-mentioned points are part of the wider harsh reality of India in cricket. This is not a new phenomenon but a recurring pattern:

2014: Lost to Sri Lanka in the T20 Final 2015: Lost to Australia in the World Cup Semifinal 2016: Lost to West Indies in the T20 Semifinal 2017: Lost to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy Final 2019: Lost to New Zealand in the World Cup Semifinal

India can be seen as the new 'chokers' in the cricketing world. This cycle of almost reaching the pinnacle but falling short is discouraging and highlights the need for fundamental changes in the team's dynamics and strategy.

How can India break this cycle? It involves rebuilding confidence, nurturing the right environment, and ensuring a balanced team composition where each player's role and importance is understood and appreciated. The way forward involves learning from these losses and turning them into opportunities for growth and improvement.