We Made a Mistake That Day: Bangar on India’s 2017 CT Final Loss Against Pakistan
The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan is a match that is still etched in the memories of cricket fans around the world. India, led by Virat Kohli, failed to defend their title, losing to Pakistan by 180 runs. The defeat was a major upset, and the Indian team was left reeling from the shock.
In a recent interview, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar spoke about the match, revealing that the team made a crucial mistake by batting second after winning the toss. Bangar, who was part of the team management at the time, admitted that the decision was wrong and that he, along with the other members of the team management, were responsible for the call.
“We made a mistake that day. We should have batted after winning the toss,” Bangar said. “I felt that the decisions that were made and the team management who was part of that call were wrong. I, too, was a part of it.”
Bangar’s comments have sparked a lot of debate and discussion among cricket fans and experts. The decision to bat second was seen as a key factor in India’s loss, as Pakistan’s batsmen, led by Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali, put on a century partnership to set the tone for their team’s victory.
The 2017 Champions Trophy final was a closely contested match, with both teams giving their all. India’s batting, which had been a strength throughout the tournament, failed to deliver on the biggest stage. The team managed to score only 158 runs in their 20 overs, which was a far cry from their previous performances.
Pakistan, on the other hand, batted with confidence and authority, scoring 338 runs in their 20 overs. Their opening batsmen, Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali, put on a century partnership, and the middle-order batsmen, including Sarfraz Ahmed and Shadab Khan, also contributed to the total.
The Indian team’s batting failure was attributed to a combination of factors, including the pace and accuracy of Pakistan’s bowlers, as well as the lack of application and skill displayed by the Indian batsmen. The team’s inability to rotate the strike and score boundaries made it difficult for them to post a competitive total.
In the aftermath of the match, there were calls for the Indian team to revamp their batting strategy and approach. The team’s coach, Kumble, and the captain, Kohli, were criticized for their decision to bat second, and there were questions about the team’s ability to handle pressure and perform on the biggest stage.
Bangar’s comments have added fuel to the debate, with many experts and fans agreeing that the decision to bat second was a mistake. However, there are also those who believe that the Indian team’s batting failure was due to a variety of factors, including the pace and accuracy of Pakistan’s bowlers, as well as the lack of application and skill displayed by the Indian batsmen.
The 2017 Champions Trophy final was a major setback for the Indian team, but it has also been a valuable learning experience. The team has since undergone a significant transformation, with new players and coaches coming in and injecting new energy and enthusiasm into the team.
The match has also had a lasting impact on the careers of some of the Indian players. Virat Kohli, who was the captain of the team, has since led the Indian team to several major victories, including a series win in Australia and a Test series win in England. Rohit Sharma, who was part of the team, has also continued to excel, scoring centuries and leading the Indian team to several victories.
Hardik Pandya, who was a member of the team, has also spoken about the match, revealing that he was “fuming” after the loss. “I was fuming, to be honest,” Pandya said. “I felt we were so close, but we just couldn’t get over the line. It was a tough match, and we just couldn’t find a way to win.”
In conclusion, the 2017 Champions Trophy final was a match that will be remembered for years to come. India’s loss to Pakistan was a major upset, and the team’s batting failure was attributed to a combination of factors, including the pace and accuracy of Pakistan’s bowlers, as well as the lack of application and skill displayed by the Indian batsmen.
Sanjay Bangar’s comments have added a new layer of depth to the debate, with many experts and fans agreeing that the decision to bat second was a mistake. However, the match has also been a valuable learning experience for the Indian team, and it has since undergone a significant transformation, with new players and coaches coming in and injecting new energy and enthusiasm into the team.
