Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal downplayed that India’s thrilling two-run win against Japan at the Sano International Cricket Stadium is a wake-up call of any sorts. India could only manage 32 runs in five overs in the one-off T20I against Japan on Tuesday.
The pitch was slow and low, and run-scoring was challenging for both teams. Furthermore, the outfield was slow because of rain. Eventually, India managed a two-run win but they were on the verge of a stunning loss against Japan, who are ranked 41st in the T20I rankings.
Shreyas Iyer top-scored for India with 16 runs off 12 balls but India lost four wickets in five overs. Lal said there is no comparison between India and Japan.
“It is not a wake-up call. I do not agree that it is a wake-up call. You are comparing Japan with India. I think they would have just started playing cricket. Our players play day in and day out. There is no comparison. It is difficult for minnow countries to come up. They should participate; I do not say no, but the standard needs to be there,” Madan Lal said. (via SportsNext)
The 1983 World Cup-winning player questioned the standard of minnow teams despite playing at the top level for some time.
“How many minnow countries have had an actual impact? What did Afghanistan do in the recent series? India beat them 3-0. How much has their standard improved? When they came at the start, it was good. But now all teams know how they play and how to play against them.”
Lal said India would be favorites to win the Gold Medal at the Asian Games.
“I do not know the conditions there. But definitely India has a chance. The players are very experienced. They know the job. They know what to do. Hopefully they win the gold medal, which they deserve. It is good for cricket that it is there in the Asian Games. But something has to be done about the standard. It is interesting to watch when there are good games. Everyone wants to see good games. They have to think about how to improve the standard,” he said.
India will play the quarterfinal clash in the Asian Games on Monday but their opponent is yet to be decided.
