India's T20 Transformation: 2022 World Cup Loss a 'Wake-Up Call'

The 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal loss to England proved to be a pivotal moment for Team India, according to former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. The humiliating 10-wicket defeat served as a "wake-up call" that has transformed the team into a formidable force.

In the Adelaide encounter, India's star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to deliver, contributing to the team's unexpected exit. Rohit managed a 27-ball 27, while Kohli scored a 40-ball 50 as India posted a modest 168 for 6. England chased down the target with ease in just 16 overs.

Manjrekar believes that neither Rohit nor Kohli have acknowledged the loss as a turning point, but it has undoubtedly been a catalyst for the team's resurgence in T20 cricket. "India is completely changed as a T20 side. That (2022 T20 WC semis loss) was a wake-up call for India. They may not admit it. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have never confessed that they helped India lose the semifinals, but this new India is a completely different India," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

He added that England's current form, which is slightly weaker than in previous years, further strengthens India's chances.

However, Kohli's recent struggles have raised concerns ahead of the semifinal clash against England. The former Indian captain has scored just 1, 4, 0, 24, 37, and 0 in six matches. Manjrekar acknowledges Kohli's form as a worry but expects him to rise to the occasion.

"Virat Kohli is a little bit of a worry because he hasn't got the runs, but he stayed committed to this approach of taking risks and doesn't worry about getting out. Whether he'll continue to do that in the semifinal, because this is a guy who has taken up the responsibility on the big stage, he feels that he's the guy who's got to do it. Plus he's short of runs. The thing to look for is if he's hit a four or a six and if he picks a single, then you know that he's batting a little differently," Manjrekar said.

Team India is determined to break its decade-long drought of major titles and prove its mettle in knockout matches. Rohit's team enters Thursday's semifinal in Guyana on a six-match winning streak and is eager to emulate the success of the 2007 side that won the inaugural T20 World Cup.

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #TeamIndia, #RohitSharma, #ViratKohli, #SanjayManjrekar