‘Players were overconfident’ – Basit Ali slams India after home series defeat to New Zealand

Before facing New Zealand in a three-match Test series, India was playing well. Speaking on the subject, former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali claimed that the series loss was caused by the overconfidence of the Indian players and management.

The Rohit Sharma-led team recently thrashed Bangladesh 2-0 after staging an incredible 4-1 series victory over England at home earlier in the year. The squad lost back-to-back games in Bengaluru and Pune, and the hosts were leading the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a healthy PCT advantage before of the New Zealand Test series. They were also racing towards their third championship match.

In the first Test match against the Kiwis, India lost by eight wickets after being bowled out for just 46 runs in the first innings. The batting group in Pune once again fell short, losing by 113 runs.

He also examined the fact that the team lead by Tom Latham completed their research, which enabled them to complete the task.

“The players may have believed they would easily defeat the Kiwis after India’s two-day victory over Bangladesh and New Zealand’s 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka. This indicates an overconfidence on the part of Indian players and management. They completed their assignment, New Zealand. Basit stated on his YouTube channel that they had nothing to lose.

The Kiwis’ potential to defeat India was not anticipated by anyone. Not even the people of New Zealand would have considered this. However, the 43-year-old stated that they completed their homework.

In Australia, India might have issues without Shami: Basit Ali

Mohammed Shami, the pacer for Ace India, has been left out of the 18-man roster for the five-match series against Australia later this year. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 34-year-old has not participated in professional cricket. He is presently pursuing complete health at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Basit, meanwhile, believes that India in Australia may suffer from Shami’s absence. He stated that without Shami, India’s pace-bowling unit would not have been complete and that Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer, could have been recruited.

“The absence of Mohammed Shami from the group for the Australia tour surprises me. All the burden has been placed on Bumrah by you. The lineup should have included Arshdeep Singh, who adds diversity.

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Without Shami, India’s fast bowling in this squad is incomplete. India may encounter difficulties in Australia without Shami. In Australia, quick bowling is your weapon. In Australia, India will have challenges,” he continued.