'It’s time for new players': Spin Wizard Unfazed By ZIM Setback, Determined To Carry Seniors' Mantle

Losing to Zimbabwe by 13 runs was not the ideal possible start Team India was looking for after becoming the T20 World Champions. However, the refurbished line-up had to learn a lesson and they learnt it the hard way. Team India's batting went haywire on Saturday while chasing the meagre target of 116. The potential stars of tomorrow failed to lay hold of the situation of today and hence paid the price in the form of humiliating defeat at Harare Sports Club.

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Team Needs to Bounce Back: Ravi Bishnoi

Nevertheless, the chance to redeem themselves has come quickly as no rest day has been given for the 2nd T20I. Shubaman Gill's side would be looking to even things out and about that leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi had some thoughts to express. Bishnoi said the team needs to bounce back stronger and return to the field for the second T20I with a fresh mind just a day after suffering an unexpected defeat against an inexperienced Zimbabwe side here.

India faltered badly in the chase of 116 and were bowled out for 102 in the first T20I here on Saturday. The second match will be played here on Sunday.

“We are trying our best and we need to bounce back stronger. We just need to come back tomorrow (Sunday) with a fresh mind for the second match,” said Bishnoi in the post-match press meet.

Bishnoi said India failed to stitch together good partnership and that led to their downfall.

“It was a good game of cricket, but we collapsed, lost continuous wickets. A partnership would have made the game better for us. We could not do that. I think that made the difference,” he said.

“Zimbabwe’s bowling and fielding were really good. They did not allow us to build partnerships,” he added.

The 23-year-old took a career-best 4/13 against the Africans here, and the leg-spinner said he is constantly trying to improve his craft.

“We can learn something from every match. I am trying to learn from every match and get better at what I am doing,” he said.

Bishnoi said it’s time for young players to take Team India forward after the retirement of senior pros such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja.

“It’s time for new players. The senior players are retired and handed over the mantle to us. It’s our responsibility to take the flight ahead.” Despite the setback, Bishnoi said Shubman Gill led the side well.

“Shubman’s captaincy is very good. His bowling changes were spot on, it’s a sign of good captaincy,” he added. 

(With inputs from PTI)