‘Should’ve attended the post-match press conference’: Azharuddin slams India’s head coach and Virat Kohli
Former Indian skipper, Mohammed Azharuddin shows disappointment as Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli did not attended the post-match press conference after India's defeat against New Zealand.
Following India’s defeat by New Zealand in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday, former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin felt Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the India team should have attended the post-match press conference. The conference was attended by Indian pacer, Jasprit Bumrah which according to Azharuddin is completely unacceptable.
“In my view the coach should have come for the press conference. If Virat Kohli doesn’t want to attend the press conference, that’s fine. But, Ravi (Shastri) bhai should’ve attended the press conference,” said Azharuddin in a discussion session with ABP News.
“You can’t just attend press conferences after victories, you must give an explanation for defeats too. Sending Bumrah for the press conference was not right. Either the captain or the coach should have come for the presser or someone from the coaching staff,” he added.
Azhar when asked about whether Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri didn’t want to face questions after their defeat, he said that there is nothing to be ashamed of, but one must take responsibility.
If you lose a game or two, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. But the captain or the coach must come and explain to the nation why the team lost. How can you expect Bumrah to answer these questions. If you are ready to face the media when the team wins then you should also step forward when your team is going through a rough phase,” said Azhar.
The former Indian skipper played 99 Tests and 334 ODIs throughout his career.
This is the second time India lost the match. Their first defeat was against Pakistan who won by 10 wickets. In the second match, India scored 110/7 against New Zealand which was easily chased by the latter in the 14th over. From New Zealand, Trent Boult was the star bowler who grabbed three wickets while Ish Sodhi picked two. From India, Ravindra Jadeja scored 26 runs from 19 deliveries.
India team is currently under a doubtable situation to qualify for the semi-final. They need to win the rest of the matches as well as hoping the other results go in their way. India will next lock horns with Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.