‘If I were a New Zealand fan, I would have wanted a refund,’ Gambhir said of the team’s performance in the T20 World Cup final

New Zealand cricket fans around the world, including a sizable contingent in India, were devastated by the team’s loss to Australia in the T20 World Cup 2021 final. For the fan, not just the outcome, but also the nature of the competition was upsetting to witness. One of them is former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who, like many of other Indians, backed New Zealand as his second side in the tournament.

Gambhir expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner the Black Caps, captained by Kane Williamson, performed in the second half of the major match.

The ‘Men in Black’ were bowled out for an eight-wicket loss after scoring 172/4 in the first innings thanks to Williamson’s 48-ball 85. Mitchell Marsh (77*) and David Warner (53) each scored half-centuries to help the team cross the finish line with 1.1 overs to spare.

“After India (in the T20 World Cup), my favourite team was New Zealand. “Seeing them hustled around like an apprentice wasn’t pleasant,” Gambhir wrote in his TOI column.

“They batted quite well, scoring 172 for four.” This kind of score isn’t always difficult to defend, especially with a well-balanced assault like New Zealand’s.

“However, it was evident that the pressure had gotten to them since they didn’t look like the same squad that beat India and England in the semis,” he said.

He went on to say that if he had seen his squad all over the place in the second half, he would have “demanded a refund.”

“New Zealand is a team that takes pride in rigorous preparation, clear role descriptions, and exact execution, all done quietly…

If I were a New Zealand fan, I would have demanded a refund after watching my team struggle in the second half. “It wasn’t a final-worthy performance,” Gambhir said.