Team India offered ‘cold sandwich’ & ‘faraway practice venue’ ahead of 20-20 World Cup match, players unhappy

Following a memorable win against Pakistan in the 20-20 World Cup, team India moved to Sydney for their next match. Scheduled for October 27th, the Men in Blue’s next match is against the Netherlands; one that they would be hoping to win without much fuss.

The 20-20 World Cup however is proving to be a challenge to the team, even outside of the ground. A recent news report suggests that team India had to forgo their after-practice food due to the quality on offer.

“The food that was offered to Team India was not good. They were just given sandwiches and they have also told ICC that food provided after the practice session in Sydney was cold and not good,” an Indian Cricket Board official was heard saying.

“It’s not like any boycott… Some players did pick up fruits and falafel but everyone wanted to have lunch and hence they had food going back to the hotel,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

“You can’t just have a cold sandwich (not even grilled) with avocado, tomato and cucumber after two hours of training. That is plain and simple inadequate nourishment,” he added.

Faraway practice venue

Team India’s problems were further intensified by the choice of practice venue. The Men in Blue chose to forgo their practice on Wednesday as the practice ground was 45 minutes away from the hotel.

“Team India did not do practice sessions as it was offered a practice venue in Blacktown (In sub-urbs of Sydney) so they refused because that is appropriately 45 minutes away from Team Hotel where they are staying,” an Indian Cricket Board source had said.

India’s team needs to work on top-order batting as most failed to get going against Pakistan. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav had left the team in limbo against Pakistan with the team struggling at 37/4 at one point.

India’s bowling however looked quite good as they troubled the Pakistan batters with pace and swing and subjected them to a low total.