India finishes their campaign with huge win against Namibia

ICC T20 World Cup 2021, India vs Namibia: It was the last time India played a T20I under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. They have finished tenure with their Head Coach Ravi Shastri and will be replaced by Rahul Dravid.

The importance of toss is very important in UAE, But against Pakistan Virat after losing the toss said we will be up to any challenge. Virat Kohli has certainly understood who crucial was the toss situation.

However, after winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, Virat said “the toss is important, and when we win it we want to do what we want so we are going to bowl first.”

There were only two successful partnerships throughout the innings which pushed Namibia to 133 runs. First, the opening partnership between Stephan Baard and Micheal van Lingen of 33 runs was a gem to watch. That particular partnership showed the potential of Namibia‘s future.

The second partnership was between the skipper Gerhard Erasmus and David Wiese in the middle overs of 25 runs but that partnership showed the depth of Namibia’s lineup. Former South African campaigner David Wiese’s experience works well to provide Namibia stability.

The spinner duo fired again picking up six wickets between them. Finger spinners work well on this type of pitches where you know that it will turn. Playing his first match Rahul Chahar was sluggish and dull. Bowling a lot outsider, although it was looking like a plan, and dropping it short more than often. He has the potential, seen in IPL, but he has to hold on to his nerves a bit firmer.

Jasprit Bumrah was also excellent picking up two wickets and giving only 19 runs. However, Mohammad Shami had a bad day. The wicket column was empty but most importantly he went for 39 runs in his four-over spell.

A great effort from Namibia nevertheless reaching to 132 runs.

The Indian openers started where they left off in the last game. With Rohit Sharma being the aggressor, they fell just short of another 100 runs opening stand. Having a bit of luck early on helped Rohit Sharma’s innings. A catch was dropped in the opening phase at short fine-leg which proved costly.

Once the opener got set, it was range-hitting practice for the Indian team. Kl Rahul was quite aggressive with anything on his pads. The Namibian worry grew with the partnership but got the breakthrough in the 10th over from a Rohit Sharma’s(56) mishit. Jan Frylinck’s length ball comes off the toe end of the bat and towers towards the gully region.

Then came Suryakumar Yadav(25*) playing his fearless cricket. Hitting shots everywhere in the ground. He remained not out with KL Rahul(54*) to not give Virat Kohli a chance to bat in his last innings as a captain.

An era ends for the Indian Cricket team and another begins. Rahul Dravid will be heading the Indian team along with the new T20I captain, most probably Rohit Sharma.

Watch India vs Namibia clash, ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

India vs Namibia, ICC T20 World Cup 2021: post match presentation.

Ravindra Jadeja: (Player of the Match)

“As a bowler the ball was dry. Sometimes it was turning. Ashwin has been brilliant with the ball. Kohli has been wonderful with his captaincy, with his aggression, and also the coaching staff. They have done a wonderful job and hopes in the future whoever comes in will continue with the same passion.”

Gerhard Erasmus:

“We haven’t quite been able to sulk in what has been happening around us. We will go home and realize that we played at the biggest stage of all and it will only help the game grow back home. The team will take this experience in all and will look forward to growing on it. It has been a great journey and will hope some youngsters pick up the game after seeing what their home side has achieved.”

Virat Kohli:

“I am relieved first of all. It was an honor to captain this squad. We have performed really well and enjoyed playing with each other. Positives were the way we played the last three games and were not brave enough in the first two games. It was more like an extended family for the whole group and thanks to the staff keeping this group together. Even without being captain, I will give my 120% in the field. Yadav didn’t get much game time so as a young player it was an idea to push him forward and let him go home with a good memory.”