Vaughan’s comments came in the wake of India’s defeat by an innings and 32 runs to South Africa in three days in the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. Earlier, they reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup at home on the back of an undefeated run, only to go down to Australia by six wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
During a panel discussion on Fox Sports during the second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Vaughan started the conversation on the Indian cricket team, posing a query to former Australian batter Mark Waugh.
"Do you think, in terms of cricket, India are one of the most underachieving sports teams in the world?" Vaughan asked Waugh. The Australian, however, put the question back in the former England captain’s quote.
"They haven't won much in recent times. I think they are (an underachieving side). They don't win anything. When was the last time they won something? With all the talent they have, all the skill-set (they should have achieved more," Vaughan admitted.
The former cricketer stated that apart from two fantastic Test series wins in Australia, India do not have much to show in terms of winning big events. He pointed to their failure to win ICC World Cups despite have strong sides.
"They've won in Australia twice (Test series in 2018/19 and 2020/21). Magnificent. But the last few World Cups, (they have) been nowhere, in the last few T20 World Cups, (they have) been nowhere. They're a good team. They have got plenty of talent but with all the talent they have and the resources they have, I just don't think they win," Vaughan concluded.
India’s last win in an ICC event came in 2013 when they won the Champions Trophy in England under MS Dhoni’s leadership. Speaking of the World Cup, they won it in 2011 at home again with Dhoni at the helm. The Men in Blue were favorites to win the 2023 World Cup, but failed at the final hurdle yet again.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
