India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (ANI Photo)

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has taken a swipe at head coach Gautam Gambhir following India’s crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa national cricket team in their Super 8 opener of the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad. The loss, the heaviest ever for India in T20 World Cup history, has pushed the defending champions to the edge of elimination and severely dented their net run rate. Widely backed to become the first side to successfully defend a T20 World Cup crown, the Suryakumar Yadav-led outfit now face must-win games to stay alive in the tournament.

Manjrekar questioned several tactical decisions, particularly the elevation of Washington Sundar to No. 5 during India’s unsuccessful chase of 188 after early wickets. The move came after Sundar was preferred over vice-captain Axar Patel, a selection that had already sparked debate, though team management described it as a tactical call. Speaking on Stump Mic on CNN-News18, Manjrekar used a pointed analogy to describe Sundar’s expanding role in the XI. “Kailas Jeevan, there used to be a medicine by that name back in the day. If you had a headache, you would use it. If you had a stomach issue, you would take it. It was an all-in-one remedy. Gautam Gambhir seems to have an all-in-one solution for everything too, Washington Sundar,” Manjrekar said on CNN-News18’s Stump Mic while analysing India’s batting performance. “If there’s a batting problem, Washi. If there’s a bowling problem, Washi. He was promoted up the order to No. 5 today, and then Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya walked in at No. 7. It was just too much,” he added. South Africa capitalised on India’s vulnerability against changes of pace, with Lungi Ngidi troubling the batters through well-disguised slower deliveries. Manjrekar stressed that this area requires urgent attention, singling out captain Suryakumar Yadav. “Forget fast bowling, focus on playing the slower balls. They are not able to handle slower balls or spinners. The captain is struggling the most against slower deliveries,” he said. India now turn their focus to a decisive clash against Zimbabwe national cricket team. Not only must they win to keep their semi-final hopes intact, but they will also need a comprehensive victory to repair the damage inflicted on their net run rate in Ahmedabad.

South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj has played down the notion that his team enjoys any significant edge from playing repeatedly at one ground, arguing that the ability to adjust quickly will determine the outcome when the Proteas meet the West Indies in a vital T20 World Cup Super 8 encounter on Thursday, February 26.

The Proteas have competed at the Narendra Modi Stadium for all but one of their matches so far. However, Maharaj maintains that differing surface conditions each time have neutralised any home-ground benefit.

“It’s nice not to travel, but from a pitch point of view, every game has been very different. The four matches that we’ve played here, conditions have varied throughout. I won’t see it as much of an advantage. It’s about adapting quicker rather than later and focusing on execution,” Maharaj said at the pre-match press conference.

STAYING GROUNDED AFTER INDIA WIN

The Proteas approach Thursday’s fixture riding high on confidence following their comprehensive 76-run triumph over defending champions India in their opening Super 8 game, though Maharaj insists complacency is not setting in.

“There was a real energy and buzz in the camp after beating probably the best side in the competition. But we’re not getting carried away. There’s still a lot of cricket to be played. It’s about dusting ourselves off, doing things better and focusing on the positives,” he said.

South Africa and the West Indies have both secured victories in their first Super 8 outings, while India sits on one win and one loss. Zimbabwe have suffered defeat in their lone match. Victory on Thursday would bring either team close to confirming a semifinal place.

RESPECTING WEST INDIES’ FIREPOWER

Maharaj recognised the danger the West Indies present after they dominated Zimbabwe in their Super 8 opener. The spinner, who has shared changing rooms with numerous Caribbean players in T20 leagues, understands the threat their batting lineup poses.

“West Indies played an amazing game against Zimbabwe. It’s back to the drawing board. We know the danger they possess from an explosive point of view. They’ve got batters in form and bowlers who are fighting with them,” he said.

Maharaj stressed that this match carries the same weight as their clash with India. “At this stage of the tournament, it’s a huge game. If we get over the line, it gives us a qualification for the semifinals. West Indies have a way of turning up in these events, so they can’t be taken for granted.”

AFTERNOON START BRINGS NEW CHALLENGE

Thursday marks South Africa’s first daytime match of the tournament, scheduled for a 3 pm beginning. Maharaj highlighted that quick feedback from bowlers to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock will be essential in reading the conditions.

“Generally the bowlers give feedback early. Quinton is brilliant behind the stumps in assessing conditions. It’s about communication, whether it’s slower balls, cutters or lengths, and then adjusting accordingly,” he explained.

With a semifinal berth nearly within reach, Maharaj emphasised that precise planning and swift execution will make the difference against a team known for explosive batting.

South Africa will complete their Super 8 campaign against Zimbabwe on March 1.

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