England all-rounder Moeen Ali feels that India missed a leg spinner in the 2022 T20 World Cup and the pressure of performing on the big stage is one of the reasons for the 'Men-in-Blue' failure in ICC tournaments.
Despite having so much depth and talent, India have not been able to win the ICC for nine years now. They won the ICC Champions Trophy back in 2013 under M.S. Dhoni's captaincy.
"So many people follow Indian cricket, and the media, too, keep a close watch. India has a huge pool of talent but I guess the pressure of performing in the big tournament...your best players do that, but I think that's all it is," Ali told IANS on the sideline of Abu Dhabi T10 here.
Asked what went wrong for India in the T20 World Cup, he said, "India missed a leg spinner there in Australia and the team came across England on a very good day."
Moeen Ali is leading Morrisville Samp Army in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10. Talking about the league, he said, "T10 is difficult, the pace of the game is really tough. It is a very good format but at the same time very difficult."
Asked about the impact of the league in international cricket, he said the players can earn good money through such leagues.
"Other players of other nations don't get a good amount like India, England, Australia, so they have to play these leagues to get good money. A lot of people say that you need to take a rest but sometimes you can't afford to take a rest. The schedule is packed but you have to squeeze in everything," he said.
"Playing league also helps in adapting to new situations and learning, planning according to the game," he added.
POLLARD ON A ROLL!
Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard has been in scintillating form for the New York Strikers, who have won five matches on the trot. The former West Indies captain has the best strike-rate among the batters on his team and scored 26 runs from 7 deliveries, winning the Player of the Match award, while helping his side register a comprehensive win on Thursday.
Speaking after the match, Pollard said, "This was a fantastic win against the Delhi Bulls, and I am delighted with the team's performance. One of the most important things is winning and developing that winning habit. We have to always find ways to win from difficult scenarios. Again, we've taken two points, we roll on. But it goes to show, it's a testimony, when you ask, you shall receive."
Pollard and co have been one of the most danger'us teams in this season's Abu Dhabi T10, and up next for them is the game against the home team, Team Abu Dhabi, which is also their final group-stage game.
T20 WC: Rohit to lead India's 15-man squad, Hardik vice-captain
Rohit Sharma will lead the 15-member squad that will represent India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, scheduled from June 1 to 29.
Gukesh wins Candidates tournament, becomes the challenger for world title
Seventeen-year-old Indian chess Grandmaster D. Gukesh on Monday became the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates tournament and to become the challenger for the world chess title.
IPL 2024: Iyer, Salt, Russell star as KKR survive Karn scare to beat RCB by one run
With 21 runs needed off the final over, Karn sliced Starc over backward point for six and survived a caught-behind appeal on the very next ball. Karn stayed deep in the crease and smacked Starc for sixes over extra cover and backward point.
IPL 2024: Jos Buttler’s century outshines Virat Kohli’s ton as RR beat RCB by six wickets
Opener Jos Buttler announced his return to form in his 100th IPL match with a magnificent 58-ball century as he outshined Virat Kohli’s ton to help Rajasthan Royals make it four wins from four matches at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday.
IPL 2024: Virat Kohli's unbeaten 113 lifts Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 183/3
Talismanic batter Virat Kohli brought out his vintage self to slam his eighth Indian Premier League (IPL) century and ninth overall in T20 cricket to lift Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a competitive 183/3 in 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday evening.
IPL 2024: Quinton de Kock's 81, Pooran's 40 off 21 help LSG post 181/5 against RCB
Opener Quinton de Kock hammered a 56-ball 81 but Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled things back in the death overs to restrict Lucknow Super Giants to in Match 15 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Tuesday.
IPL 2024: BCCI reschedules KKR vs RR, GT vs DC matches
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the rescheduling of two Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matches -- swapping the dates of the Kolkata Knight Riders versus Rajasthan Royals and that between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals.
IPL 2024: Mohit Sharma picks three as bowlers help Gujarat restrict Hyderabad to 162/8
Veteran fast-bowler Mohit Sharma picked a brilliant 3-25 to lead a good bowling show for the Gujarat Titans in restricting Sunrisers Hyderabad to 162/8 in 20 overs of the IPL 2024 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday.