India’s disappointing campaign on the ongoing tour of England has been the result of a combination of factors. The reigning T20 World Cup champions have suffered five consecutive defeats against Ireland and England, raising serious questions over team selection and overall strategy. Former India opener WV Raman believes the Shreyas Iyer-led T20I side’s dismal run cannot be attributed to a single reason, but rather to a combination of issues that have contributed to their poor performances so far.
Q: Do you blame the reckless shot selection by the Indian batters?
WV Raman: It’s a combination of factors. Firstly, England plotted the downfall of the Indian batters very well. Their bowlers came out with specific plans and executed them brilliantly, which is why they have enjoyed so much success. At the same time, there are plenty of lessons for the Indian batters. These things happen whenever a team tours overseas, and I think that’s exactly what India are experiencing right now.
Q: Do you think the constant shuffling of the playing XI has disrupted the team balance?
WV Raman: That could certainly be one of the reasons. But when the batters are not scoring runs, the team management naturally looks to tweak the combination to see if things improve. Unfortunately, nothing has really gone India’s way on this tour. As I mentioned, England’s bowlers have planned exceptionally well. At the same time, India have made too many unforced errors. They have let several opportunities slip in the field and conceded far too many extras, especially through no-balls. While the occasional no-ball is understandable because players are human, the objective should always be to minimise such mistakes.
Q: India won the T20 World Cup just a few months ago. Why do you think they have now lost five matches in a row?
WV Raman: Different pitches and different conditions have posed significant challenges. More importantly, the batters have not scored enough runs, which has put the bowlers under tremendous pressure. That’s one of the biggest reasons India have struggled against both Ireland and England. This phase should also serve as a wake-up call. There are several areas that need improvement. Sometimes, experiencing a slump after a major success can actually help because there’s still plenty of time before the next T20 World Cup. The team have enough time to identify their weaknesses, make plans and build towards the next global tournament.
Q: Do you think this young batting group lacks game awareness and resilience?
WV Raman: We shouldn’t be judgemental based on just a few matches. We also need to consider the kind of preparation that has gone into these games and the discussions taking place within the team. Naturally, those conversations should remain inside the dressing room. What is important is that these youngsters are given a proper run. By that, I mean around 15 to 20 matches. If the management believe these players can be part of the next World Cup, then they should continue backing them regardless of immediate results. They will learn from their mistakes, gain experience and eventually become better players. In the long run, everyone benefits.
Q: There was a lot of focus on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi before the series. How would you assess his performances so far?
WV Raman: Don’t judge him by the numbers. If the selectors have picked him, it means they believe in his talent, and there is no doubt about his ability. Naturally, opposition bowlers will study him closely because that’s how international cricket works. My suggestion is simple—let him play 15 to 20 games without worrying about the statistics. I’m confident he will perform exceptionally well once he gains confidence through regular opportunities. The encouraging part is that he hasn’t tried to become a different player. Sometimes, youngsters feel they must change their game once they reach international cricket, but he hasn’t done that. He has stayed within his natural framework, and over time, he will understand what adjustments are required to succeed at this level.
Q: What do you make of Sanju Samson being left out of the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe?
WV Raman: I don’t like focusing on individuals. I prefer looking at the bigger picture. If India’s objective is to prepare for the next T20 World Cup, then they should identify a core group of around 20 players and back them consistently over the next six months. After that period, senior players such as Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and others can return, depending on fitness. The selectors can then gradually narrow down their options. Every squad and every playing XI should be selected with that long-term roadmap in mind.
Q: How big a setback is Hardik Pandya’s absence in this white-ball series?
WV Raman: If Hardik isn’t available, he will definitely be missed because he contributes so much in white-ball cricket. He’s an outstanding all-rounder. Unfortunately, injuries have affected him repeatedly, and sometimes that’s beyond anyone’s control. What the system can do is focus on players with similar potential. Someone like Harshit Rana is very promising, but even he has struggled with injuries. The emphasis should therefore be on injury prevention. Fast bowlers need specialised biomechanical guidance. It isn’t correct to assume technique no longer matters at the highest level. Proper bowling mechanics, throwing techniques and fielding fundamentals can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Even a 30 per cent improvement in these areas can make a substantial difference.
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