World Champions (again)!!

On the night of March 8, 2026, at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium (oh yes, the same, much-maligned, 'unlucky' stadium) in Ahmedabad, Indian cricket crossed a threshold that may take years to fully comprehend. India did not just win the T20 World Cup 2026. They redefined what sustained excellence in T20 cricket looks like.

By defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final, India became:

• The first team to defend a T20 World Cup title
• The first host nation to win the tournament
• The most successful team in T20 World Cup history, with three titles (2007, 2024, 2026)

Yet, the real story of this triumph lies not in records alone, but in how this team chose to win:
by prioritizing team victories over individual milestones, impact over averages, and trust over panic.

The final: Dominance without drama

India’s 255/5 in the final was not chaos—it was control disguised as aggression.

• Sanju Samson anchored and accelerated with a stunning 89
• Abhishek Sharma blasted 52 off just 21 balls
• Ishan Kishan followed with 54, ensuring there was no slowdown

The bowling response was equally ruthless:

• Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass: 4/15
• Axar Patel applied the choke: 3 wickets
• New Zealand were bowled out for 159

This was not a last-over escape.
This was a statement win.

Sanju Samson: From the bench to the soul of the campaign

Every World Cup needs a defining narrative.
In 2026, that narrative was Sanju Samson.

He began the tournament outside the playing XI.
He ended it as Player of the Tournament.

What followed his recall was extraordinary:

• 97 vs West Indies* in a virtual knockout
• 89 vs England in the semi-final
• 89 vs New Zealand in the final (the highest score ever in a T20 WC final)

Across just five innings, Samson scored 321 runs at a strike rate near 200—but more importantly, he scored them when India needed them most.

This was not redemption theatre.
This was peak T20 impact batting, where intent met clarity.

A team built on match-winners, from 1 to 15

What separated India from the rest of the field was not just talent but also depth with purpose.

Every player in the squad had a clearly defined role:

The batting core

• Sanju Samson – High-impact opener, tournament game-changer
• Abhishek Sharma – Powerplay disruptor, backed despite early failures
• Ishan Kishan – Flexible aggressor, opener or No.3
• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) – Intent-setter, tactical leader
• Tilak Varma – Middle-overs accelerator
• Shivam Dube – Boundary hitter and momentum shifter
• Rinku Singh – Finisher by design, pressure by presence

The all-round spine

• Hardik Pandya – Clutch overs, clutch runs, leadership on the field
• Axar Patel (Vice-Captain) – Control, balance, and composure
• Washington Sundar – Tactical flexibility against match-ups

The bowling arsenal

• Jasprit Bumrah – The world’s most valuable T20 bowler
• Varun Chakravarthy – Mystery, wickets, and middle-overs disruption
• Arshdeep Singh – New-ball swing and death-over nerve
• Kuldeep Yadav – Wrist-spin threat on demand
• Mohammed Siraj – Pace depth and pressure creation

And then there was the bench.

A bench that would start for most nations

Perhaps the strongest statement of India’s dominance was this:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul—players who would walk into the first XI of most international sides—were not automatic starters here.

This was not exclusion.
This was competition at its highest level.

India did not win because they had stars.
They won because they had choices.

Captaincy: Trust as a tactical weapon

Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy will not be remembered for dramatic speeches or viral moments. It will be remembered for something far rarer:

Unshakeable backing of players.

• Backing Abhishek Sharma after a string of early failures
• Persisting with Varun Chakravarthy despite risk
• Encouraging batters to keep attacking even after losing wickets

Along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, the message was clear:

“T20 cricket is about impact. Not milestones. Not averages.”

That philosophy freed players from fear and fearlessness won India the Cup.

Team first. Always.

Sanju Samson did not chase a century in the final.
Hardik Pandya did not protect his figures.
Bowlers accepted boundaries in pursuit of wickets.

This team consistently chose what the game demanded, not what personal scorecards suggested.

That is why this title feels different.
More mature. More repeatable.

The road ahead: Building a dynasty, not just a title

The 2026 World Cup is not an end point but a foundation.

What India must carry forward

• Impact-based selection, not reputation-based
• Batting depth till No.8
• Bowling by phases, not names
• Two ready XIs, not one fixed combination

With the LA 2028 Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup ahead, India are no longer chasing excellence.

They are defining it.

Every generation has a defining Indian team.

• 2007 gave us belief
• 2011 gave us fulfilment
• 2024 gave us resurgence

2026 gave us a system.

A team where stars serve the cause, where the bench strengthens the XI, and where winning is not an ambition but a habit. And long may this continue for Team India!

Jai Ho!

India vs Pakistan: Really a rivalry?

The latest India–Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup was billed, as always, as the greatest rivalry in cricket. Broadcasters hyped it. Fans circled the date. Former players revisited old battles. Social media inflated the moment.

And yet, when the dust settled, one question lingered.

Is this still a rivalry, or are we clinging to nostalgia?

Because what unfolded was not a knife edge contest. It was not a see-saw thriller. It was not even a tactical chess match stretching into the final over.

It was control.
It was clarity.
It was India.

The myth of parity

Cricket rivalries are built on tension, on uncertainty, on the feeling that either side could win on any given day. That is what makes the Ashes legendary. That is what gives India–Australia its edge.

But India–Pakistan in ICC tournaments over the last decade has been something else entirely.

There have been moments, yes. Pakistan’s victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Their T20 World Cup win in 2021. But moments do not make a rivalry.

Consistency does.

And consistency has been overwhelmingly one sided.

Perfect conditions, imperfect execution

If ever there was a stage set for Pakistan, this was it.

T20 format, their supposed comfort zone
Conditions suited to seam and disciplined bowling
A squad stacked with specialist T20 bowlers
A top order built for controlled chases

This was not alien territory. This was not a spinning dustbowl designed for Indian wrist spinners. This was not a flat belter tailor made for India’s power hitters.

This was their kind of cricket.

And yet, apart from the solitary early breakthrough, Abhishek’s dismissal in the opening over, the contest felt settled almost immediately.

India recalibrated.
India absorbed pressure.
India dictated tempo.

From that moment onward, it was India all the way.

Not chaos.
Not panic.
Not emotional overdrive.

Just structured dominance.

The Under19 World Cup incident

Then came the episode from the recent Under 19 World Cup.

Pakistan needed to defeat India in roughly 32 to 34 overs to boost their Net Run Rate and qualify for the final. It required risk. Aggression. Calculated boldness.

It required believing that progress sometimes demands danger.

Instead, they chose caution.

They opted not to chase qualification aggressively because in attempting that, they might have lost the match to India.

Pause there.

They were willing to sacrifice a realistic shot at the final, the ultimate goal, just to ensure they did not risk losing to India in the group stage.

And in the end they lost the match.
They lost the qualification opportunity.
They lost both.

That decision was not taken by teenagers alone. Under 19 cricketers do not set tournament strategy. They are guided, shaped, instructed.

Which makes the mindset even more telling.

It was not about maximizing tournament success.

It was about minimizing the possibility of defeat to India.

That is not strategic conservatism.
That is psychological captivity.

Win against India: At any cost

There is a difference between healthy rivalry and obsession.

Healthy rivalry sharpens you.
Obsession distorts you.

When the singular focus becomes do not lose to India rather than win the tournament, ambition shrinks.

That posture suggests a sporting mindset built more on antagonism than aspiration.

Sport at its highest level demands clarity of purpose.

India’s stated objective in every ICC tournament is simple. Win the trophy.

Beat Australia. Beat England. Beat South Africa. Beat Pakistan. Beat whoever stands in the way.

Pakistan’s posture too often appears narrower. Beat India.

One approach is expansive.
One is reactive.

Over time that difference compounds.

The latest instance

Strip away rhetoric and look at the cricket.

After the early wicket, India’s batting did not implode. It recalibrated.

Strike rotation improved.
Boundary options opened.
Risk was timed, not forced.

When India bowled, there was clarity of plan.

Hard lengths
Smart field placements
Pressure through discipline
No emotional overs

There was no visible desperation to win the rivalry. There was just execution.

That separates mature cricketing systems from emotionally driven ones.

Structural divergence

Over the last decade the divergence between the two systems has grown stark.

India’s model includes IPL driven exposure to global talent, deep bench strength, data backed strategy, investment in domestic pathways, professionalized fitness standards, and multi format specialists.

Pakistan’s struggles include administrative instability, frequent leadership churn, selection inconsistency, financial and structural constraints, and tactical rigidity.

One ecosystem builds redundancy and resilience.
The other lurches from crisis to crisis.

These differences show up clearly in high pressure tournaments.

The psychological divide

Elite sport is played twice, once on the field and once in the mind.

India approaches Pakistan matches as high stakes games but not existential ones.

Pakistan too often approaches them as emotional battlegrounds.

That difference manifests in shot selection under pressure, bowling changes under attack, fielding intensity after setbacks, and response to early wickets.

In the latest T20 encounter, India’s body language was calm.

Pakistan’s felt tight.

Tight teams rarely win championships.

Learning from wins, not just losses

Here is the deeper takeaway for India.

Complacency is a silent enemy.

Dominance over Pakistan cannot become the metric of satisfaction.

The benchmark is not bilateral superiority.
The benchmark is ICC trophies.

The bigger goal is continuous improvement and extracting lessons even from comfortable wins.

Did we optimize middle overs.
Did death bowling hit peak execution.
Did fielding maintain standards.

Excellence demands introspection even after victory.

That is how long term dominance is built.

Rivalry or History?

True rivalry requires both sides to threaten consistently.

Right now India’s real rivalries are elsewhere.

Australia in knockouts
England in white ball power hitting
New Zealand in tournament composure
South Africa in pace and athleticism

Pakistan remains capable of brilliance on their day, but brilliance without structure is volatility, not rivalry.

The cost of narrow vision

The Under 19 episode is more than a tactical misstep. It is symbolic.

When short term emotional validation overrides long term ambition, stagnation follows.

Choosing to secure a group stage win rather than pursue a final berth speaks volumes.

Elite sport demands boldness.

You risk to rise.

India’s cricketing evolution has increasingly embraced that philosophy.

Promoting young talent early
Backing aggressive strategies
Allowing players to fail and grow
Investing in long term systems

That is growth oriented thinking.

Anything less is self limitation.

Why the gap feels wider

It is not just skill.

It is infrastructure.
It is governance.
It is mindset.
It is clarity of ambition.

India plays to expand its ceiling.

Pakistan too often plays to defend its pride.

Pride without progress is hollow.

A word on humility

Dominance must never become arrogance.

India’s greatest strength today is not talent. It is composure.

Victories are celebrated.
Then attention shifts to the next challenge.

The objective is not to humiliate opponents.
The objective is to raise standards.

Remain ruthless in preparation.
Remain analytical in review.
Remain fearless in experimentation.
Remain humble in success.

Sport has a way of humbling those who grow complacent.

What true greatness demands

True cricketing greatness is not measured by beating one opponent.

It is measured by sustained excellence across formats, winning in varied conditions, producing generational talent, handling pressure repeatedly, and evolving tactically.

India is on that path, though not yet at its final destination.

Pakistan has raw ingredients, talent, flair, unpredictability, but must align ambition with structure.

The road ahead

For India.

Keep building bench strength.
Continue backing youth.
Prioritize ICC knockouts.
Innovate tactically.
Stay grounded.

For Pakistan.

Broaden ambition.
Reform structure.
Invest in clarity.
Shift from reactive to proactive cricket.

Rivalries thrive when both sides push each other upward.

Right now the push feels one directional.

Final thoughts

The latest T20 World Cup match did not diminish history. It clarified the present.

This was the best possible chance for Pakistan, format, conditions, squad composition, and yet the gap was evident.

The Under 19 decision revealed something deeper than tactics. It revealed a mindset choice.

India’s challenge is not Pakistan.

India’s challenge is sustained excellence.

Let the goal remain global supremacy, not regional dominance.

Let hunger stay alive even after comfortable wins.

Let humility accompany strength.

Let ambition remain expansive.

Because greatness is not about defeating a rival.

It is about transcending rivalry itself.

Jai Ho!

Champions!!!!

Cricket fans around the world are still buzzing with excitement as India's historic triumph in the T20 World Cup in the West Indies has etched a new chapter in the annals of cricketing history. India not only claimed the coveted title but did so in an extraordinary fashion, going undefeated throughout the competition—a feat never before achieved in the history of T20 World Cups. The final match against South Africa was a thrilling encounter that encapsulated the essence of cricket: a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

The Thrilling Final Against South Africa

The final match against South Africa was, fittingly, the toughest and closest encounter of the tournament. Unlike the match against Pakistan, where India managed to seal the game in the last couple of overs, this final was a nerve-wracking affair. The pitch was not the tricky, unpredictable surface that had troubled players in the Pakistan match, and the weather was clear. With a required run rate of barely a run-a-ball in the last five overs, the tension was palpable.

South Africa put up a formidable fight, showcasing their resilience and skill. However, the Indian team, known for their ability to handle pressure, held their nerve. Ravindra Jadeja, who had a rather quiet tournament until then, stepped up when it mattered the most. His all-round performance was crucial in tipping the scales in India's favor. The final overs were a testament to the team's mental fortitude and strategic acumen, ultimately leading India to a well-deserved victory.

A True Team Effort

This victory was not just about individual brilliance but a collective effort. Every player contributed at some point, and the support from the team's staff and the reserves was invaluable. Players like Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Shubman Gill, and Avesh Khan, though not part of the Playing XI in the final, played crucial roles throughout the tournament. The encouragement and camaraderie within the squad created a positive environment that fueled their success.

Champions in All Conditions

One of the hallmarks of a champion side is their ability to adapt to different conditions. The Indian team faced a variety of challenges, from hot and humid climates to rainy conditions, and from batting on flat decks to bowling on treacherous pitches. Their versatility and ability to perform under any circumstances were evident throughout the tournament. This adaptability highlighted the team's depth and the strategic brilliance of the coaching staff, led by Rahul Dravid.

Conquering All Major Teams

India's journey to the title saw them defeating every major team in world cricket. They overcame their traditional rivals, Pakistan, in a nail-biting encounter. They defeated Australia, who have been a constant nemesis, showcasing their superiority. The defending champions, England, who had been India's Achilles' heel in the last World Cup, were also convincingly beaten. Each victory was a testament to India's dominance and their ability to rise to the occasion.

Stellar Bowling and Fielding

India's bowling attack was a significant factor in their success. Jasprit Bumrah, in particular, was exceptional. His ability to deliver under pressure and his skill in both the powerplay and death overs made a massive difference. The fielding, though needing some improvement, was generally solid. The deceptive breeze in the West Indies posed challenges for all teams, but India managed to hold their ground, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals.

Batting Brilliance

The batting line-up, led by the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, was superb. While there were tough matches where the regular batters struggled, they always found a way to bounce back. Virat Kohli, in particular, saved his best for the last. His performance in the final was a masterclass in pacing an innings and handling pressure. The collective batting efforts ensured that India always had the runs on the board to challenge their opponents.

The Unsung Heroes: Rohit, Virat, and Dravid

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid might shy away from the limelight, but their contributions cannot be overstated. Their leadership, experience, and strategic thinking were instrumental in guiding the team to victory. Having come so close yet so far in previous tournaments, this win was a testament to their perseverance and commitment to excellence. For genuine cricket fans, this victory represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by these legends of the game.

The True Custodians: Indian Cricket Fans

Indian cricket fans, known for their unwavering support and passion, are the true custodians of the game. Their joy and happiness at this victory are well-deserved. After an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy, this win is a moment of immense pride and celebration. The fans' unwavering support has always been a source of motivation for the team, and this victory is as much theirs as it is the players'.

A Word for South Africa

While celebrating India's triumph, it is essential to acknowledge the South African team and their fans. South Africa played with great spirit and resilience throughout the tournament. To remain unbeaten until the final is a commendable achievement. Their performance was a testament to their skill and determination, and they have every reason to be proud of their efforts.

Conclusion

India's historic T20 World Cup win in the West Indies is a story of grit, teamwork, and unwavering determination. It is a victory that will be remembered for years to come, not just for the unbeaten run but for the manner in which it was achieved. The triumph showcases the strength of Indian cricket and sets a new benchmark for excellence. As the team and fans bask in the glory of this monumental win, the future of Indian cricket looks brighter than ever. Jai Ho!

Decoding India's T20 World Cup Squad: Analyzing omissions and expectations

As the excitement builds up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Indian cricket enthusiasts find themselves engaged in lively debates over the recently announced squad. While there's optimism surrounding the team's potential, there are also notable omissions that have sparked discussions. One such omission that stands out is Rinku Singh, whose absence from the squad raises eyebrows and prompts questions about the selection process.

Rinku Singh, known for his explosive batting and finishing abilities, seems like a missed opportunity for the Indian team. His exclusion becomes even more perplexing when compared to the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, two players who offer similar skills. One could argue that Rinku could have easily filled Axar's spot in the main squad, with the latter being relegated to the reserves. This adjustment would have added depth to India's batting lineup while maintaining a balance in the team composition.

Similarly, the absence of T Natarajan, despite his consistent performances, leaves fans puzzled. Natarajan's knack for picking wickets and delivering under pressure situations could have been valuable assets for the team. His exclusion, especially in place of other bowlers like Arshdeep, Siraj, Khaleel, or Avesh, raises questions about the selection criteria and priorities.

Another point of contention is the form and role of Hardik Pandya in the team. While Pandya's all-round abilities make him a crucial player, his recent performances have been underwhelming. His struggles with form and fitness, particularly his bowling, cast doubts on his effectiveness in the tournament. The management faces the dilemma of relying on Pandya's potential or considering alternatives to strengthen the team's balance.

The debate over the choice between Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as the primary wicketkeeper adds another layer of intrigue to India's squad dynamics. While Pant seems to have the edge, both players bring their unique strengths to the table, making it a tough decision for the management. The performance of either player could significantly impact the team's fortunes in the tournament.

Bowling remains a concern for India, apart from Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal, the team lacks sure-shot performers. The effectiveness of spinners like Kuldeep Yadav could be crucial, especially on pitches conducive to spin. However, the team needs bowlers who can control the scoring rate and take wickets consistently to put pressure on the opposition.

In batting, the focus extends beyond just scoring runs; maintaining a high strike rate will be crucial in T20 cricket. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, India boasts a formidable batting lineup capable of setting challenging targets. Virat Kohli's role as a stabilizing force adds further depth to the batting order.

Overall, despite the notable omissions and areas of concern, there's optimism surrounding India's campaign in the T20 World Cup. The team possesses the talent and potential to compete at the highest level, provided they address the gaps and make strategic decisions to optimize their resources.

As fans eagerly await the tournament's kickoff, there's a sense of anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead. With hopes high and expectations soaring, Indian cricket enthusiasts are gearing up to support their team and witness a thrilling competition on the global stage. Jai Ho!

What a birthday!

October 23, 2022
Generally, birthdays are a happy time. Apart from reflecting on another year as you age and be thankful for all your blessings, you also get greeted and loved by your family and friends. All in all, a relaxed, fun vibe all through the day.

This year, it was slightly different. Of course, all usual stuff I mentioned above did happen. Only, there was another ingredient in this year's birthday. October 23, 2022 also happened to host an India Pakistan match. That too in the World Cup. That too, after the heartbreaking loss 364 days ago in the previous World Cup (and another loss to them recently in the Asia Cup in August). 

This meant my birthday was also going to be a tense day, filled with the usual racy heartbeats and sweaty palms you come to expect from a typical India-Pakistan match.

The last thing I wanted was for us to lose on my birthday. Sure, it would not have been the end of the world. But of course, sentiments and rationality need not always coexist happily. I knew it would not have mattered but I still did not want us to lose to Pakistan, certainly not on my big day.

And as the match began, India won a good toss, had a great start with its bowlers but we squandered that advantage and Pakistan managed to make almost 160 (159), despite no contributions from Babar or Rizwan.

And then, the horror start. After the quick procession of wickets in the first 10 overs, my "happy" birthday began to seem more like more of a sad day. Until a certain Mr. Kohli and Mr. Pandya decided to take things in their own bats. From biding their time initially and rotating strike to counterattacking Nawaz and taking him out of the attack to taking the game deep continuously and staying in the hunt to 28 from 8 to the legendary consecutive sixes by Virat making it 16 from 6, to the controversial no-ball, to the 3 smart runs after being bowled on the free-hit, to the sensible left alone wide by Ashwin and to finally, the lofted off drive for the winning single - every single moment thereafter was a pulsating account of how we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. And of course, to the one and only Virat Kohli's chasing masterclass.

Thank God for making my birthday one of the sweetest eventually, by making India victorious and for all the lovely, unforgettable moments!! What. A. Day!

As I write, Pakistan has lost to Zimbabwe last night, in the most shocking manner, by 1 run. Their fans must be distraught and have every reason to feel so. They were not even chasing a score of 180+ or even 160-odd. Just 131. And with all due respect to Zimbabwe's bowlers, they aren't the most menacing attack in the world either. Even after Pakistan committing harakiri like only Pakistan can, they were still in a position where they needed just 3 runs off the last 3 balls, with 4 wickets in hand. And an in-form Nawaz in the middle. Yet, the pressure got to them and they are staring at an early exit, barring any miracles and all other results going their way.

For the Indian team, we have managed to thrash Netherlands quite comprehensively in our next encounter and now await South Africa on Sunday. Let's keep the momentum going and continue playing the best cricket we can. The rest should take care of itself too. 

Keep rocking, Team India...Jai Ho!

Well played, Team Green. With you, Team Blue!

If you are a cricket fan, especially from India or Pakistan, you know what an India Pakistan encounter means to the two teams and even more so, for the two countries. 

Pakistan holds the aces till now in terms of more wins than losses against India in Sharjah and overall India-Pakistan matches.

For Indian fans, the World Cups (across both ODIs and T20s) have been the lucky charm, with a record of 12-0 in India's favor.

Until of course, what happened yesterday.

After 29 long years, Pakistan finally opened their account of winning a match against India in a World Cup with a complete mauling and outplayed India in every department.

Right then, we are now at 12-1. 

First things first: Truly well played, Pakistan!!

Pakistan

The team that played better cricket on the day was clearly Pakistan and thoroughly deserved to win yesterday. As Virat Kohli rightly said, Pakistan was able to peg India back right from the start: 

1) The toss 

Of course, that's good luck to win an important toss but it was still a good, brave call for a team that has traditionally been better at defending than at chasing. Don't forget, it would have been very easy to belittle the decision, had the Indians put up a daunting total and the Pakis would have failed to chase it. 

With the benefit of hindsight, countless self-appointed experts would have chimed in with pearls of wisdom like "You won the toss and yet to put the Indian line-up in!", "We are not good chasers, bowling is our strength, still you relied on your weakness", etc. Credit to Pakistan for sticking to what they believed in, and most importantly, for executing it well enough to ensure that their performance matched their plans.

2) The bowling in Green, led by Shaheen

Pakistan has always been a paradise for bowlers. Even at their very lowest, Pakistan have never struggled to have good bowlers. So it was no surprise to see them do creditably well with the ball. But what did matter was the fact that even after Shaheen's fiery opening burst, their entire bowling unit followed one good spell after another, applying relentless pressure, and just not letting the Indian batsmen go off the hook. 

Led by Shaheen, the bowlers backed the captain's call, never let the runs flow, and always kept India's batsmen in check. One often uses the term Bravo with West Indies cricketers, referring to a Dwayne nor a Darren Bravo, but this time, it is to applaud the entire Pakistani bowling unit - top stuff, guys - Bravo!

3) Captaincy

As captain, Babar made smart bowling changes that never allowed the batsmen to settle to any particular bowler. Very intelligent and tactical captaincy by the Pakistan captain - quite astutely done, Babar!

It was also quite impressive to see that he kept his flock in check in terms of their expressiveness and emotions. While everyone seemed high on energy and intensity, no one went overboard or abusive or unusually aggressive. Most importantly, this held true even after the win, when things could have easily gone out of hand. But it seemed that Babar's overall calm persona reflected in every Pakistani's approach - when they were natural ecstatic and thrilled when taking wickets or catches and obviously after winning, but were never so jingoistic or xenophobic to be rude or too in-your-face.

4) Fielding

Another aspect that might easily get ignored from this match was Pakistan's absolutely top-class fielding. Be it their catching, commitment, energy or the ground fielding, everything was quite electric in this match.

All these are adjectives that typically do not go in the same breath while referring to Pakistan's fielding. Which is why, it makes their fielding effort all the creditable. Flawless stuff from Pakistan, and as a cricket lover, one hopes that they maintain this standard to be a better team and do not let their bowlers down as often as they normally have.

5) Babar and Rizwan (entire Pakistan batting on the day)

Talking of flawless, the way Babar and Rizwan pummeled India's bowling was perhaps the most astonishing part of the day. True, it was not the greatest-ever score from India but at the halfway stage, even the staunchest Pakistani supporter wouldn't have picked Pakistan to run away with the match the way they did, and win by 10 wickets. Extremely smart batting by pre-empting the bowlers' plans, rotating the strike constantly, running niftily between the wickets, and playing the big (but risk-free) shots when required.

Sure, the dew helped them but credit should still be given where due. Babar and Rizwan deserve a huge round of applause for the way they identified who to target and who to be watchful against and see off, if required (as with Varun and Bumrah's initial overs). And after the 10-over stage in the Pakistan innings, with no swing and more due, it was just one-way traffic from there on.

India

On India's side, it was quite a forgettable day when almost whatever that could go wrong, did go wrong.

1) Below par, all round, all day

Apart from Virat and to an extent, Rishabh, Varun and Bumrah, no one else managed even a decent outing. We were outplayed in all departments, right through the course of the match. 

Perhaps there was a flutter of hope when Virat and Rishabh were batting together but just when it was time to press the accelerator, Rishabh perished and Virat came tumbling after. Likewise for when Varun and Bumrah began applying pressure in their initial overs but then leaked runs and went wicketless.

2) Insipid bowling

Most disappointingly, our bowling was lackadaisical, toothless, too defensive too early, and bereft of plans.

Forget picking up wickets, I had a hard time even recalling when (if ever) the Pakistani batsmen (of course, we saw only two - the opening pair through the entire innings) were even beaten by any ball from anyone.

If you pitch on middle and leg line, bowl too short or too full, you are expecting only miracles or mistakes from the batsmen, you are giving yourself only two chances to get batsmen out: either by them making a mistake or through some divine miracle (like a possible six being converted to a catch). 

Our bowlers, especially Shami and Bhuvi, were too wayward in their lines and lengths. Too much on middle and leg, not enough changes in pace, the slower balls were too clear and easy to not be picked and scored off. Our bowlers are typically much, much better than that, but unfortunately, yesterday was certainly not one such day.

3) Subdued by the dew

The only hope left was of watching Pakistan self-implode. But they did not, as the imperious Babar and the sublime Rizwan steered them home with consummate ease. If that wasn't enough, midway through the Pakistan innings, it was time for the dew too.

Of course, the dew must have made matters worse but I suspect good line and length is very much a part of our "controllables". Balls pitching on or outside off stump and then changing course - coming in or going out or holding their line - were too few and far between.

4) The current, listless Bhuvi is a concern 

Despite being a Bhuvi-fan for long, it has been 3 consecutive bad days for him now. After a very average (even below-average) IPL where he got clobbered in the death overs, Bhuvi has leaked runs and has not even picked wickets in the two warm-ups and now yesterday. It's not even a matter of taking wickets or being economical. One must look like taking wickets. The form he is in, his bowling has just not been incisive enough to inspire any confidence till now.

For a player of his class and pedigree, and with swinging conditions to boot, one had hoped for him to be lethal with the ball, at least in the initial overs. Instead, he looked a pale shadow of himself and with three poor games on the trot, perhaps we might need to reassess what should be done with respect to his role and contributions.

5) Shardul for Hardik

And, speaking of pale shadows, with Hardik hurting his shoulder while batting and not taking the field, Shardul could well be in the XI soon. Lord Shardul is a no-brainer replacement for Hardik - can bat well, has become a much better bowler in recent months, and also has the happy knack of picking wickets, including those of crucial batsmen - in short, a captain's delight.

It also spoke wonderfully of Virat's sportsman spirit as well as character to see how he was so gracious, warm and effusive in praising and mingling with the Pakistani team, especially Shaheen, Babar and Rizwan). Classy stuff that, great for the sport, and long may this continue!

Whatever be the reasons for India's defeat (sorry, thrashing) at Pakistan's hands, there are still some positives from the match for India:

1) An albatross off our necks 

If Pakistan have taken the monkey off their back by finally winning a World Cup match against us, India also had the victory record of NEVER HAVING LOST in World Cups against them. This record was like an albatross, because, as MS Dhoni had stated earlier after another Indian win the last time around, it created an unnecessary pressure on Indians too. After all, who can guarantee an all-win record forever? At least, with this loss, there won't be a NEVER HAVING WON / NEVER HAVING LOST chatter anymore. Thank God for that!

2) It can only get better from here

The good thing about a comprehensive defeat is that it jolts quality players like never before. Sure, it hurts, as it should, for it galvanizes players to do that much more, going forward. 

Even from a simple law of averages perspective, a completely lopsided, off-color performance comes only once in a while. And given the fact that this is not a team that would keep getting beaten especially the way it did yesterday, bouncing back is a given, and only a matter of time. 

What is most important is to ensure that the team keeps believing in itself, gets the support from its fans (because now is the time when it needs it the most), and remains confident about delivering its best at all times. We are still THE team to beat on any day against any opposition, if our XI play to even 90% of their potential. 

Just as no team can become good overnight, the converse remains equally applicable. Biased opinions aside, everyone knows India is quality side. Most importantly, the team itself is quite mature and aware. They must know that they are a top side, so it's just about picking the lessons from this game and moving on afresh. Many more frontiers are waiting to be conquered!

3) Team bonding

If you are a top quality side like India, such a loss would always hurt. And then, if you lose against your arch-rivals, it is bound to spur you to achieve bigger glory even more. This is when the team bonds that much more and clicks as a whole. 

A lot is spoken about India's 36 all out but what happened after that in the very same series?! (I know, it's Test cricket but the point on team bonding and approach remains the same and is format-agnostic). In other words, a loss can truly bring a top team together like never before to go for greater glory. We might have lost the battle but we can still win the war!

4) Selection clarity and/or individual performances

This loss can also help individuals know where they need to pull up their socks. Get your house in order, it's not a bad house anyway! Just make sure you are on the money from here on, bring your A game to the table and it won't be long before the sun shines on you again. 

Another useful outcome of such a defeat could be clarity in selection and even in approach on what to do and what not to do as players, during similar situations or match-ups in the future. How to ensure we do not have a bad start? How to stem the rot or maintain the flow of runs if we lose wickets? How to channelize the right men for the right task as per the match situation, in the pitch and on the field? How to use the experience from this game to identify and have faith in our best XI, going forward? How to ensure that our batsmen and bowlers have the right plans, plus backup plans, to support each other in case any of them is off-color on a given day? All these lessons can prove to be of invaluable help in the future, all thanks to this loss.

5) Fans' support

As a crestfallen Indian fan, when I went to bed last night, I was wondering what must be going through the minds of our players. If I was feeling so hurt, I can trust that someone like Rohit, Rahul, Virat himself, and in fact everyone in the team must be seething from inside. Not out of revulsion or hatred for the loss but out of having not performed even half as well as what they are capable of, both individually as well as collectively. Let's spare a moment to put ourselves in their shoes and at least be civil and empathetic before pronouncing inane expert solutions.

For a team that has given us countless moments of world-beating glory, Isn't it our duty to support them when they are themselves hurting and self-aware? Mind you, while everyone had a poor outing, no one seemed irresponsible or lacking intent and effort.

They know they had a bad game. It's not as if our abusing or blaming them will add any value to their knowledge. If anything, it will only deflate their morale, which is something they do not deserve. And of course, this holds equally true for the Pakistani side too - had they lost (or like they have lost earlier in World Cups), their cricketers also never deserve(d) to face the wrath and flak of their public and fans the way subcontinental fans have often vented their emotions. 

Sure, one can be disappointed, even unhappy with team selection, approach, performance, magnitude of loss, way of playing - all that is fine but not at the expense of believing that the players could care even an iota less than they actually do.

In fact, as players, they are trying and working much more than we know, day in and day out, to give their best. It's just that we should neither take things to stratospheric proportions when our teams are on the right side of the result nor should we begin ascribing ulterior motives or become self-anointed experts to pronounce judgements on who did what wrong and why, without having done or known even a fraction about the effort and full context behind what these players put in, giving their all and more, to pursue excellence every single day - irrespective of whatever result is achieved.

Let's ensure we throw our weight behind our Boys in Blue now. This is the time when a team needs its supporters the most. We know you WILL bounce back. 

Great performance, Pakistan and totally well-deserved. You can well be a finalist in such form and who knows, we might have an India and Pakistan final too - a la CT17 with transposed results - from the results of the league stage and finals! Same teams, exchanged results!

Well played, Team Green. With you, Team Blue!!

Jai Ho!