Why India Should Have Won ICC Trophies Over the Decade

The cricketing world often wonders why India has not secured more ICC trophies despite their rich resources and talented players. A recent debate centered around Ravichandran Ashwin's performance and leadership, leading many to question if India should have won several tournaments by now. Let's delve into some key instances where the prowess of Ashwin and his team might have secured victory, had circumstances aligned just a bit differently.

India's Missed Opportunities - A Comprehensive Review

T20 World Cup 2014

Throughout the tournament, India displayed a commendable level of performance, which seemed to culminate in a strong finish. The team's strengths in batting, especially the brilliance of Virat Kohli, combined with the bowlers' prowess brought India to the finals. However, the final turned out to be a disappointing loss. The underwhelming performance of the batters, apart from Kohli, might have been a pivotal factor in the team's failure to pocket this trophy. The finals against Australia saw India falter, despite a competitive lead with Kohli's admirable run-chase.

Champions Trophy 2017

The 2017 Champions Trophy saw India showcasing a formidable squad against Pakistan in the final. Despite being considered the favorites, India lost to Pakistan in what many regard as the most embarrassing loss in Indian cricket history. Key performances such as Fakhar Zaman's innings and Mohammad Amir's bowling are still remembered. These standout moments, however, could not bridge the gap when needed. The lack of collective effort and an inability to maintain momentum on the day of the final were major contributing factors.

World Test Championship Final 2021

In the inaugural edition of the Test World Championship, India presented a dominant side, overcoming injuries and lack of home ground advantage. Their victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during the pandemic was a testament to their resilience. The final against New Zealand, which should have favored India given their experience with warm conditions, saw a narrow defeat. The team's spirit and capabilities led them to come so close, yet, the final game was a tough nut to crack.

ODI World Cup 2023

The 2023 Cricket World Cup was arguably the most favorable opportunity for India to claim a trophy. With over eight players in prime form, India had a strong case to clinch the title. However, the final against Australia saw a lackluster performance, leading to a heartbreaking loss. That final, although well-prepared, saw India fall short, highlighting the challenges in maintaining peak form under immense pressure.

Ashwin's Captive Performance

Speaking of performance, Ashwin's leadership has been nothing short of inspiring, particularly evident in today's match against Rajasthan Royals. Managing his captaincy, batting, and bowling with remarkable skill, his contribution remains unparalleled. Ashwin's quick push for runs in the death overs, scoring 17 runs in just 4 balls, is a testament to his adaptability under pressure. These moments are not isolated incidents but a recurring theme in his career, making him a perennial asset to the Indian cricket team.

Ashwin's track record, both in international cricket with Chennai Super Kings and recently with Kings XI Punjab, confirms his enduring popularity and respect. Whether in IPL or Test cricket, his performances have consistently bolstered the morale of the team. Therefore, considering his current form and proven record, it's not far-fetched to argue that including him in the lineup for the next ICC tournament, the World Cup, would be a wise decision.

India has all the ingredients to claim more trophies, but consistent and unflinching leadership, like Ashwin's, is crucial. His involvement can bring a sense of familiarity and strength, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the most challenging situations.

Image credits: Google

Thank you for reading about Ashwin and India's cricket journey. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses!