Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has claimed that India needed a shock and it was good that they got it early in their campaign as it would give them some time to strategize their campaign. A subsequent defeat in the Super-8s would have ended their qualification hopes; However, they can try to improve their game against Zimbabwe and West Indies.
India qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8 stage as an undefeated team since the previous edition of this tournament. Their last defeat in an ICC event came before the first match of this edition against South Africa in 2022.
The Rohit Sharma-led side were undefeated in 2024, as were Suryakumar’s side in four group-stage matches this season, before they were handed an unexpected shock by the Proteas in the Super-8 opener. South Africa defeated India by 76 runs.
Ravi Shastri said, “This could be the necessary change for India.”
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri once again did not hesitate to say that India needed a defeat, which could act as an opening blow to the World Cup. He said that this will still keep their hopes intact in the tournament.
In the ICC review, Ravi Shastri gave his latest opinion on India’s early setback in the campaign and said it will give them time to re-evaluate their strategies for the remaining games of the competition.
Ravi Shastri said, “I’m really glad it happened early, especially against a team that can reach the semi-finals. This might have been the change that India needed. It might also force them to rethink their strategy and team structure going forward. I’m sure they will bounce back.”
He will have learned from that experience and will not take things for granted. In the Super 8s, if you lose another game, you are really putting yourself under serious pressure,” he said.
Before the Zimbabwe match, Ravi Shastri insisted on the return of Axar Patel.
Another major controversy that arose was the sudden change in plans to go with Washington Sundar instead of World Cup-winning all-rounder Axar Patel, who is also the vice-captain of the Indian team. He said Axar should make a comeback against Zimbabwe, who have more right-handed batsmen and the success of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Moti against them was evident.
“I think they have to bring him back. You need that experience. I would say play both if you can, give yourself that extra option, because on any given day, a bowler is bound to have an off day. For example, Varun Chakravarthy was not at his best yesterday and he had to pay the price for it. So you need that backup,” Ravi Shastri said.
Bringing back Akshar would mean India can bat deep till the no. 8, because they already had Hardik and Dubey batting at number. 5 and 6 and Washington Sundar can also be played at no. 7 as second spinner-allrounder; However, in such a situation, they will have to remove finishing specialist Rinku Singh.
India’s chances of semi-finals in ICC T20 World Cup 2026
India might have suffered a big blow and due to this big blow its run rate has also been affected. India’s semi-final chances diminished by a slim margin; However, a lot depends on the next South Africa vs West Indies match.
Although India will have to win the Zimbabwe match, and that too by a bigger margin than West Indies, their focus will be on the second match to see whether South Africa gets a win over West Indies or not. In such a situation, only victory against Zimbabwe and West Indies can take India to the final.
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