India's ICC trophy drought continues: Chokers or champions in disguise?

India's quest for an ICC trophy continues to escape them after a heartbreaking decade. Despite reaching the finals of both the World Test Championship and the recently concluded ODI World Cup in 2023, both encounters ended in defeats against Pat Cummins' formidable Australia. The unfortunate string of near misses has prompted debate amongst fans and pundits, with some labelling India the 'new chokers' of world cricket.

Chokers not, we have won 2 Test series against Australia in Australia, the last one in 2020-21 after 36 all ou, I consider as one of India’s greatest especially with more than half first choice players missing. But there is certainly something not right about not winning any… https://t.co/ZY3HY3ODE7

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) December 31, 2023

The question was recently posed to former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad during a Q&A session on the social media platform, X. A user bluntly asked, "Sir Do You also Think That Team India Has become New CHOKERS of World Cricket? As we have Just Lost 10th Consecutive ICC Knockout in last 10 Years #AskVenky."

Chokers not!

Prasad, while acknowledging the string of disappointments in ICC events, offered a nuanced perspective, reminding the user of India's recent Test series victories in Australia, which was a remarkable feat achieved by India twice, once in 2018/19 and again in 2020/21  in the absence of key players during the latter triumph in Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

The former cricketer said, "Chokers not, we have won 2 Test series against Australia in Australia, the last one in 2020-21 after 36 all out, I consider as one of India’s greatest especially with more than half first choice players missing. But there is certainly something not right about not winning any major tournament in 11 years."

Quest for glory continues

After a heartbreaking loss in the finals of the ODI  World Cup 2023, India gears up for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for the USA and West Indies. The pressure to break the ICC trophy drought will undoubtedly be immense on 'Men in Blue'. India's journey to redeem themselves in ICC tournaments is far from over. Whether they finally break the shackles of their decade-long drought or continue to fall short, only time can tell but one thing is sure, their quest to glory will continue.