Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has opened up about a crucial tactical error that cost India the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan. India entered the title clash as firm favorites after a dominant group stage performance, but their decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a costly mistake—one that remains widely debated to this day.
Pakistan capitalized on India’s misjudgment, posting a commanding total of 338/4. In response, Virat Kohli’s side crumbled under pressure, managing only 158 runs and suffering a crushing 180-run defeat.
Reflecting on the game, Bangar admitted that the Indian team management, including himself, failed to assess the conditions properly.
“We made a mistake that day. We should have batted first after winning the toss because, in England, you always look up to check for clouds. But it was a completely sunny day. The decisions made by the team management, including myself, were wrong,”
Bangar said on ESPN Cricinfo (via Hindustan Times).
He further emphasized that the responsibility did not rest solely on Virat Kohli but was shared by the entire leadership group, including then-head coach Anil Kumble and senior players like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
“It wasn’t just Virat Kohli’s decision. Anil Kumble, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma—everyone was part of it,”
he added.
Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf Return to Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy.
Hardik Pandya’s Frustration After India’s Loss
Bangar also recalled how all-rounder Hardik Pandya was visibly frustrated after the defeat. India’s top order collapsed early, leaving them reeling at 72/6. Pandya fought back with a counterattacking knock, launching several big hits to keep India’s slim hopes alive. However, his innings ended in heartbreak when a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja resulted in his run-out, sealing India’s fate.
“Hardik played a brilliant innings and struck some big sixes, but the game was out of reach once our top order collapsed. He was fuming after getting out, but it wasn’t directed at his teammate—it was more frustration with himself, feeling that he could have won the match for India,”
Bangar recalled.
The 2017 Champions Trophy final remains one of India’s most painful defeats in ICC tournaments, with the toss decision continuing to be a topic of debate among cricket experts and fans.
