Here's what Sachin Tendulkar said post World Cup warm-up loss
India's ICC World Cup 2019 campaign is off to a shaky start as they lost their opening warm-up game to New Zealand on Saturday. As the fans started panicking following the loss, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja assured that there was nothing to worry. In the same light, legend Sachin Tendulkar also told the fans that India shouldn't be judged on the basis of this loss.
Sachin feels warm-ups are for experimenting
Tendulkar was quick to point out that there is no reason to panic post a warm-up loss, as such ties are meant to experiment. He also said that the team must try out their various possible options for better analysis. "I feel they need to just settle down. One or two games, in tournament like World Cup, can go the other way," he said.
Will not judge the team after every game: Tendulkar
"I will not judge the team after every game because it's a tournament and such things do happen in cricket and the tournament hasn't even started yet. In warm-up games, teams are trying different batting and bowling combinations ahead of the World Cup," added Tendulkar.
Tendulkar believes teams don't want to reveal their playing XI
Tendulkar also stated in warm-up ties, before such a big tournament, teams don't want to revealing their best playing XI. Further, they also want to protect their best players by reducing their work load. He further added, "At the same time, they are also trying out different combinations to ascertain what players can prove helpful in different playing conditions."
Tendulkar wary of Afghanistan's deadly spin attack
"I have said this earlier as well, Afghanistan is one team that will surprise us in this World Cup because, I believe, they have one of the best spin-bowling attacks who can pick wickets in the middle," Sachin said about Afghanistan's chances.
India should not over experiment
Tendulkar is absolutely right while pointing out that the teams experiment and strategically avoid the revelation of their best playing XI. However, the author feels that the teams should avoid over-experimenting, as it would lead to confusion within the team. Moreover, losses could also affect the confidence level of a team, heading into the main tournament.
