Semifinal exit disappointing but we were proud of our brand of cricket, reveals Sanjay Bangar

08/02/2019

Sanjay Bangar has for the first time since the World Cup’s conclusion discussed India’s performance in the mega event and what the feeling among the group was like after their elimination. He lauded praise on the players before discussing some aspects of the semifinal and future ambitions.

India’s ambitions of winning the World Cup were ended prematurely less than a month ago when they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand in the tournament’s penultimate round. Ever since, a lot of the blame has been levelled on the Indian batting order and the common conception seems to be that the middle order failed to play its role. However, long-time batting coach Sanjay Bangar disagrees with the analysis, stating they were more than satisfied with how the batsmen performed.

“If you look at the figures, we were second only to England as far as our batting performances were concerned. A lot of players finished with high averages and there were seven hundreds and 12 half-centuries scored. England and India jointly scored the highest number of centuries,” Sanjay Bangar said in an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times.

India lost three wickets with just five runs on the board in the match against New Zealand, and though a sturdy partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Mahendra Singh Dhoni had them inching towards victory, they ultimately fell short.

“Only in those 30- 40 minutes in the initial phase of the semi-finals where we lost three crucial wickets in the chase against New Zealand (which cost us a final berth), the team fought right till the end. Had Dhoni and Jadeja crossed the line, this would have been an exceptional run chase. We were extremely disappointed with our exit but equally proud of the brand of cricket we played,” Bangar added.

A lot of talks have revolved around the batting order in that crucial match. With most expecting former skipper Dhoni to come to the crease in what had been his usual batting position of number five throughout the tournament, out came Karthik during the tense situation. Though the move almost paid dividends, most blamed Bangar for taking such a risk but the coach has revealed the circumstances behind the decision.

“At the start of the World Cup campaign, specific roles were given to the batting group. We had also decided that we would have to be flexible in the middle order as far as No. 5, 6 and 7 were concerned because we were looking to maximise the 30-40 over slab. And, the individuals were well aware of it. Dinesh Karthik was promoted to No 5 after consultations in the changing room to stem the fall of wickets and resurrect the innings and leave Dhoni, our most experienced player, to do the finisher’s job. Ravi Shastri has categorically stated that it was a team decision. So, I fail to understand why this perception that the decision to send Dhoni at No. 7 was solely mine,” Bangar explained.

The current term of India’s entire coaching staff has now ended and the applications for the same have already been collected. The incumbent staff will automatically be entered into the process as applicants, and Bangar is eager to continue with the team for at least another term having been a part of the squad for five years. He has led the team in 50 tests and 119 ODIs during his tenure.

“Having been associated with the team, having understood the players and having formed a strong bond, having set a team culture, it takes a long time to lay down those work ethics.

Given an opportunity, we will definitely like to continue and bring success in the T20 World Cup and the ICC Test Championship,” he concluded.