Shane Warne had backed India to go the distance in World Twenty20. He attributed the team’s exit, leaving West Indies and England in the final, to Twenty20’s unpredictable nature and India’s inability to secure a few basic steps.
The Australian legspinner, speaking on the sidelines of an event to launch the
Monarch Cruise experience, explained: “Any team can beat any side in Twenty20. Bangladesh could have beaten India on the last ball. India did everything they could (against West Indies). Look where it ended. They did not bowl well enough. The no-balls and the dew cost them (the match).”
Warne was replying to a query about the semifinal outcome at the Wankhede stadium on Thursday night. “In T20, doing the basic things right is the way to get into winning position. India did not get few basic things right. People will see this as an upset, some will say West Indies are pretty good in this form of the game, too. West Indies [was] outstanding, so the combination of not quite getting it right and its fantastic performance was why India got knocked out.”
Tough luck to India tonight, bring on the final, it’s going to be a cracker. England V WI, who would have predicted that. See u in Kolkatta
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne)
>March 31, 2016
Warne was open to the idea of coaching India, some time later. “India is a talented side, there is a lot of pressure. When the team does not play to expectations, the coach faces criticism. I have had my share of criticism in my career. I have always been open to anything, whether coaching India, an IPL team or England. It means some of the things will have to be left out,” he said.
He added: “I am not sure I am ready to coach right now, maybe down the track. I never say no to an opportunity. If an opportunity presents itself or comes to my door, I would always weigh it up and then give an honest answer about what I think. If you can’t give a 100 percent to whatever it maybe then you are better off saying no.”
The Aussie was involved in the IPL as Rajasthan Royals’ captain. He is currently fulfilling broadcasting responisibilties for different channels as cricket expert. “I definitely want to be stay involved in cricket. I love commentary and I hope people enjoy listening to me.”
He and former teammate Brett Lee were present for the launch. Famous ex-international cricketers and non-cricket celebrities are expected to be present on board. Lee, replying to the question about the prospect of coaching India, said: “My aim is to deliver India’s fastest bowler. It is work in progress.”
