Former India all-rounder and head coach lashed out Michael Vaughan for his comments on India getting advantage in terms of scheduling in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2024. Vaughan had said that India were given an unfair advantage as Guyana was their fixed semifinal venue.
“Surely this Semi should have been the Guyana one… but because the whole event is geared towards India, it’s so unfair on others [sic]," Vaughan wrote on X.
Rohit Sharma-led India outclassed Jos Buttler's England in Guyana with a 68-run win to reach the final where they beat South Africa to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.
"Michael can say what he wants. Nobody in India cares. Let him sort out the England team first. He should give advice on what happened to the England team in the semifinal. India are used to lifting Cups. I know England have won twice, but India have won four times. I don't think Michael's lifted a Cup ever. So think twice. He is a colleague of mine, but that's my answer to him," Shastri told Times Now.
Shastri’s verdict on Suryakumar’s catch
Shastri also had his say on the criticism around Suryakumar Yadav's catch on the boundary rope to dismiss David Miller on the first ball of final over. Many feel that the boundary cushion was pushed and it would have been a six. The 62-year-old indicated that in five years’ time no one will remember it.
"Sour grapes. And go and check the record books after five years. The name India will be engraved on it," he added.
Celebrations after India ended ICC drought
India ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought in Barbados on June 29. With the win, Rohit and Virat Kohli bid adieu to T20Is alongside all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. After getting stuck in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl, team India reached Delhi on June 4. They met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then flew to Mumbai for the victory parade. They thanked the fans at Wankhede Stadium later in the evening as well.
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