'We've Been In Semis, We've Been In Finals,' Ravi Shastri Dismisses 'Chokers' Label For Indian Team

India recently lost the WTC Final [AP Photos]

In the aftermath of the Indian cricket team's recent defeat in the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia, the "chokers" tag has resurfaced, alluding to their struggle to secure ICC trophies in recent years. 

Ravi Shastri backs Indian cricket team despite 'chokers' tag

Former head coach Ravi Shastri, however, has frantically dismissed the “chokers” label affixed to the team, choosing to focus on their consistent presence in semi-finals and finals of major tournaments.

Since their triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India has encountered continuous setbacks in their pursuit of ICC glory. Their bid for victory in consecutive World Test Championship Finals proved elusive, while their performances in the last two T20 World Cups, held in 2021 and 2022, left much to be desired. In the 2019 World Cup, India’s progress was halted at the semi-final stage.

Opening up on the same in a candid interview with The Week, Shastri defended the team against the "chokers" label, pointing out that both India and Australia were the only two teams in recent times that had the opportunity to contend for all three World Cups. 

Furthermore, Shastri highlighted that India had not been completely overwhelmed on the world stage, as they had reached semi-finals and finals on multiple occasions.

“I would not say that. I mean, these two teams that were playing [India and Australia] were the only two teams that had a chance to win all three World Cups. And it is not that we have been rolled over [at World Cups]. We have been in semi-finals, we have been in finals,” said Shastri.

Attributing India's inability to clinch the ultimate prize to a lack of collective effort, Shastri rejected the notion of blaming individuals or captains. According to him, the key to victory in marquee tournaments lies in the accumulation of significant individual contributions.

“We have not got it because when you want to win the big one, you need a combined effort. You cannot blame one individual, one captain,” added the erstwhile Indian coach.

A century, he emphasized, holds paramount importance in World Cups and World Test Championship Finals, as it lays a solid foundation for the bowlers and bolsters the team's chances of clinching the trophy. 

According to the Indian veteran, in the absence of a century, the team should strive for at least three half-centuries, regardless of the format—be it Test, T20, or One-Day International cricket. Failing to achieve these milestones, in Shastri's view, would undermine the team's claim to victory.

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