Men in Blue: From World champions to a side in panic mode
The Indian men's cricket team is facing a period of instability following a series of poor performances against Ireland and England. Despite a recent T20 World Cup victory, the team is struggling with leadership transitions and inconsistent results.
Why it matters
Cricket is a major cultural pillar in India, and the team's performance significantly impacts national morale and the sports economy.
It’s only been five months since India successfully defended their T20 World Cup crown in Ahmedabad. It’s been five long months since Suryakumar Yadav’s men became the first outfit to triumph on home soil.
The euphoria of a grand campaign which climaxed in two powerhouse batting displays that netted team totals in excess of 250 in both the semifinals and the final disappeared in less than three weeks as the IPL carnival marched into town and pitched tent. The exploits of a 15-year-old quickly relegated the World Cup heroics to a footnote, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi setting the world afire with one spectacular knock after another to break down the doors to international cricket.
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