India plays statistics-driven cricket and players are too worried about their stats: Simon Doull

Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has criticized Indian players for playing selflessly. Doull feels India plays statistics-driven cricket and players are too worried about their personal milestones. The renowned commentator also feels playing fearless cricket has been India’s main issue.

While analyzing India’s chances in the upcoming World Cup, Doull feels the Rohit Sharma-led team will have to bring their A-game in the knockout stages, which has been their Achilles Heel in the past.

India has consistently made it to the knockout stages of the major ICC events in the last decade but they have failed to go all the way as they have lacked collective effort. The batters have adopted a circumspect approach in the big matches and it has led to their downfall.

“Fearless cricket is there issue,” Simon Doull told Sky Sports.

“They don’t play fearless cricket enough.”

“They play statistics-driven cricket and they are too worried about their stats too often. And to me, that is the one area I am concerned about their batting side.”

Doull added that Indian players are always under scrutiny because of the media pressure and they don’t play their best cricket in the big matches as they are afraid to take risks.

“They have got all the talent and some of the best players, if not the best players in the world.”

“But it is about playing the fearless cricket at the right time of the tournament and I think that is what had really let them down in the last few World Cups.

“They don’t go out there and and take risks because they are so worried about what might be said or what might be printed or what might someone ask them about their place in the team. That’s the one area I am concerned with,” said Doull.

India will begin their World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 8th October.