India began their T20 World Cup campaign with a win, but the opening-night thriller against the USA came with a few loud lessons. Sunil Gavaskar believes the narrow escape should serve as an early wake-up call, especially with bigger tests looming.
The former India captain pointed out that while India eventually defended 161 comfortably, the top-order collapse and early jitters showed why no team can afford complacency in a World Cup. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar stressed that India must be sharper with their batting plans even with their depth.
IND vs USA T20 World Cup: Updates | Scorecard
“I think 160 wouldn’t have been easy. They defended eventually by a margin of 30 runs, which is a very good margin. So there is plenty to learn — plenty to learn that yes, there is batting depth.”
“But if you’ve got eight batters, and then 9, 10, 11 are your bowlers, and out of those eight batters you lose four wickets in the first 7-8 overs, then you are going to be in trouble — against better teams, against teams who have a lot more experience of playing in World Cups and a lot more experience of T20 cricket.”
Gavaskar’s larger point was simple: batting depth is useful, but it cannot become an excuse for reckless powerplay damage. Against more seasoned opponents, early collapses can cost them dearly as they move further into the tournament.
“Yes, there is a powerplay of six overs, but you don’t want to lose four wickets in that powerplay because that way you are putting yourself in a spot of bother.”
“What we must all remember is that when it comes to world events, every team raises the level of its performance, because world events don’t come every day.”
What happened in IND vs USA?
India, hailed as clear favourites not just for the match but for the tournament, were pushed into uncomfortable territory early. Their batting, one of their biggest strengths in recent years, suffered a major letdown as wickets kept tumbling.
At one stage, India were reeling at 77/6 in 12.4 overs, staring at the prospect of a below-par total in their opening fixture. The pressure was unfamiliar, and the USA’s energy in the field only added to the squeeze.
That’s when skipper Suryakumar Yadav produced a captain’s rescue act. He struck an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, smashing ten fours and four sixes, to lift India to 161/9 — a total that felt par after the collapse made even 140 seem difficult.
How India bowlers rose to the occasion
India’s bowlers ensured Suryakumar’s effort did not go unrewarded. Mohammad Siraj struck early with 2/29, Axar Patel tightened the screws through the middle with 2/24, and Arshdeep Singh held his nerve at the death with 2/18 as the USA were restricted to 132/8.
The 30-run margin looked comfortable in the end, but Gavaskar underlined that World Cup games are rarely straightforward, especially when every opponent lifts their intensity.
Even Suryakumar admitted India could not simply move on without addressing the batting issues.
“We cannot brush everything under the carpet, we need to bat much better. After winning also, you get to learn a lot of things. Could have batted better and smarter,” the skipper said at the post-match presentation.
India have the points on the board, but the opening game offered a timely reminder of the margins in a World Cup. Against the USA, India needed Suryakumar’s rescue act and a disciplined bowling effort to steady a match that should have been more straightforward.
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