'No excuse': Cricket legend rips India after World Cup blame game

Indian great Sunil Gavaskar has hit back at a statement from Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah after claiming the team was tired from the bio security bubble at the T20 World Cup.

New Zealand handed India their second defeat of the tournament, which sparked a wave of criticism from fans and former players.

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India pace bowler Bumrah managed to dismiss openers Martin Guptill and Mitchell for 20 and 49 respectively, but experienced skipper Williamson expertly steered his side to a comfortable win with more than five overs remaining.

"I don't think we were brave enough with bat or ball," a dejected Virat Kohli said after the loss.

"We didn't have much to defend but we weren't brave when we walked out to field."

Kohli was criticised for not turning up to the post-match press conference, while the team's performance was slammed.

Following the match, Bumrah opened up about what the T20 World Cup was like during the pandemic.

"Absolutely you need a break," Bumrah said of the conditions the players are experiencing at the tournament.

"But this is the reality of the times we are living in, it's difficult, it's a pandemic and we are staying in bubbles.

"We try to adapt, but bubble fatigue and mental fatigue also creeps in. You are doing the same thing again and again."

These comments didn't sit well with Indian legend Gavaskar.

The legendary player said it was a 'privilege' to play for India and bubble life wasn't an 'excuse' for some below-par performances.

"Well look, when you are playing for India, everything has got to recede to the background. It's as simple as that," Gavaskar said on Sports Today.

"It's an unbelievable privilege and a huge honour to be playing for and representing your country. There are millions who you know, want to get the India cap, the India colours.

"Nobody should be saying that this [bubble fatigue] is there. There should be no real excuse. You should go out there and give it your best. It's as simple as that."

Indian great defends Indian team at World Cup

However, Gavaskar defended the players.

He said the weight of expectation is huge when wearing the Indian colours, but fans just expect the team to try their best.

"And that's all the Indian fans are expecting. We all know that you can't win every game," he said.

"This is a sport, you are going to lose. Even the greatest of players in individual sports, even the greatest of teams lose. And this is a great team, make no mistake.

"But it's only in the multi-country tournaments where they have not found their feet. So I think that's something they need to do and not talk about anything else."

Fans were also critical of Kohli after the match after the Indian captain opted to skip the traditional post-match press conference and instead sent bowler Bumrah to face the media.

While this isn't totally unusual, New Zealand also sent Ish Sodhi instead of captain Kane Williamson, fans were left fuming Kohli didn't front the media after a devastating loss.

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