'We can call them chokers'- Kapil Dev gives scathing assessment of Indian team after England loss

The Indian team led by Rohit Sharma were thumped by England in the semi-final in Adelaide, ending their hopes of clinching their first ICC trophy since 2013. Following that loss, former Indian skipper Kapil Dev, who helped India win their maiden World Cup title in 1983, felt that the team can be branded as 'chokers'.

India's last major coup in ICC events came in the Champions Trophy in 2013 under mercurial former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. But since that triumph, the Indian team have faltered in several semi-finals and final encounters in global tournaments. Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev highlighted their inability to overcome pressure situations in crunch games, inviting the tag of chokers. However, the celebrated cricketer was quick to remark that it would be unfair to be too critical after just one loss. 

"Yes, we can call them chokers. That's okay. They come close and then choke. But don't be too harsh. I agree, India played bad cricket, but we cannot be overly critical based on just one game," Kapil told in a show on ABP News.

England read the pitch better and played better cricket: Kapil Dev

Kapil also gave plaudits to the English batters for reading the pitch better and playing better cricket throughout the match. He felt that the bowlers did not perform well and could've done much better in the powerplay to put pressure on the English batters despite posting a par total of 168 runs.

"England read the pitch better and played better cricket. We should not be too harsh on our players. These are the same guys who have brought laurels to the country. 168-170 is a good score. But if you don’t bowl according to the pitch, then this is what is going to happen. It is very easy to say in hindsight, but look at the number of shorts balls they bowled," the former Indian skipper added.

.