Cricket pundits slam Usman Khawaja’s relaxed reaction to horrific bat collapse during Delhi debacle: ‘We’re being laughed at now’
- Usman Khawaja comes under fire for lax attitude
- Khawaja explained the loss as ‘that’s how it goes’
- The opener’s comments were criticized by fans and pundits alike
Usman Khawaja has been criticized for the remarks he made after Australia’s 0-2 defeat on Sunday following India’s six-wicket win in Delhi.
Australia’s defeat meant India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the fourth consecutive time and ensured they remained unbeaten in Delhi, where they last lost in 1987.
The shock morning session on day three saw the Australians lose nine wickets for just 52 runs.
Australia’s attempts to sweep the Indian spinners failed spectacularly, with Steve Smith, Matthew Renshaw and captain Pat Cummins dismissed while trying to play the same shot.
Discussing the nightmare performance on SEN radio on Sunday, Khawaja simply said it was the way the biscuit crumbled in cricket.
Usman Khawaja (pictured) has been criticized for his remarks after Australia’s 0-2 defeat on Sunday following India’s six-wicket win in Delhi
The presenter’s comments and nonchalant behavior caught the attention of commentators Gerard Whateley and Adam Collins
“Sometimes that’s just how it goes. We were just unskilled, unfortunately we didn’t do well enough today. We executed pretty well in the first innings, we just couldn’t do it for the whole game,” he said.
“There will always be external noise but at the end of the day we are out here trying to win games of cricket for Australia.
“You have to pick your poison, one way or another. You can get out of the block or you can get out trying to make shots that we have practiced. That’s exactly how it goes.
“If you look short-sighted, it sucks, but we’ve still played some really good cricket for a long time.”
The opener’s comments and nonchalant attitude attracted the attention of commentators Gerard Whateley and Adam Collins.
Discussing the nightmare performance on SEN radio on Sunday, Khawaja said: “Sometimes that’s just how it goes.”
“They’re going to have to come up with something better than ‘this is it,'” Watelli said.
“I don’t know if that’s reading the room,” Collins said.
“Now they are laughing at us.
“That’s about, ‘There will be outside noise.’ I don’t know if this is reading the room particularly well by Usman. I recognize that he is one of the most mature cricketers in the world at the moment and he is entitled to his opinion and it should be respected, but the external noise will be there from everywhere and it would be wrong to ignore it.
“Even that phrase about collecting the poison. What is the starting point – that they will get past Ashwin and Jadeja and just have to pick and choose which way they go out?
“I don’t know if that’s the right starting point at this level when you’re the No.1 side in the world. It feels like there’s a mindset issue here across the divide here on these surfaces.’
Cricket fans on social media were quick to respond to Usman’s comments
Cricket fans were quick to respond to Usman’s comments.
“Yes, everyone thinks they are very good. Just ask them. Trust their own type. No fight, no respect,” said one Twitter user.
“Too busy giving himself nicknames like ‘people’s champion’… I thought Constanza was the only person who did that,” said another.
“This is the culture the players have created now… the chosen manager is just a snowflake, yes man for the players… the real responsibility is gone,” commented a third.
Other social media users felt that Khawaja was being unfairly targeted.
“Why guys after Khawaja? He’s the only one fighting,” one fan commented.
“He’s an easy character, so stop chasing him, that’s who he is. He is not a captain or even a lieutenant. Remember India haven’t lost a test match in India for over a decade,” replied another.