In the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa, Team India suffered a loss by 76 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Following the loss, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar criticised Team India players by saying that they came out with overconfidence.
He stated that Dewald Brevis and David Miller built a crucial partnership for South Africa, and the “Men in Blue” were supposed to adapt to a similar approach.
“When you look at how Dewald Brevis and David Miller repaired the South African innings, they played shots more in the V. When the bouncers were bowled, they countered them intelligently because they realised that the ball was not coming onto the bat quickly. Having seen how Brevis and Miller built their partnership, that was the approach needed from the Indian batters,” he said on JioStar.
The former cricketer then said that Team India players should get rid of their ego and adapt according to the conditions.
“But India did not take notes from South Africa`s innings. They came out and threw their bat at every delivery, hoping for a boundary. That is not how you play T20 cricket. You have to learn from the opposition. If they have scored well on a tricky surface like this, you have to get rid of your ego, observe and adjust. The Indian batters did not do that. They came out with overconfidence, threw their bat at everything and lost wickets. South Africa clearly outsmarted India, and it was a well-deserved win for them,” said Gavaskar.
In an attempt to chase a target of 188 runs, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India was bowled out for 111 runs in 18.5 overs.
T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: Team India`s upcoming fixture
Team India`s loss of 76 runs against South Africa has tightened their qualification scenarios for the semi-finals of the global showpiece. The “Men in Blue” will have to win the remaining two games with a good net run rate to keep their hopes of defending the T20 World Cup alive.
They will now lock horns with Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
(With ANI Inputs)
