India women lacked the experience of playing big matches, says Sunil Gavaskar

The Indian Women's cricket team were on the right track to pull off a comfortable win over England, but nerves got the better of them as they finished as the runners-up at the ICC Women's World Cup. England pacer Anya Shrubsole started the carnage in the 43rd over as India lost their last seven wickets for only 28 runs.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar felt it was down to which set of players held their nerve under pressure. The little master, however, blamed the lack of experience in playing big matches as the prime reason for the loss.

“It is the inexperience. Sometimes in these situations, you need experience. Unfortunately, this time around it wasn’t there. Even a partnership of 20-30 at that stage could have driven India home. The wickets were falling every second third ball and that’s where India lost,” Gavaskar told NDTV.

India had a brilliant campaign at the World Cup and much to the surprise of many, they defeated all of the big three – Australia, England, and New Zealand – to book a Lord’s date. Failure in the final notwithstanding, it was a path-breaking journey that ignited a lot of interest in women’s cricket back home. Gavaskar credited the team for the stellar achievement.

“India women were outstanding in the tournament. They went out and tried their best. In the end, there is gonna be a winner and a loser in limited overs cricket. They gave their best. It was such a close game.  Full marks to them. Very very happy they have played throughout the tournament,” the original Little master added.