Intro
Former coach says early loss offers timely reality check
Chennai
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes the team’s heavy defeat to South Africa national cricket team in the Super 8 stage could prove to be a blessing in disguise, urging the defending champions to reassess their team composition ahead of the business end of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
India slumped to a 76-run loss in Ahmedabad on Sunday, their first defeat after 12 consecutive victories across the last two editions of the tournament. The setback has put added pressure on the side ahead of their must-win clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai.
“You win 12 matches on the trot, there’s bound to be an off day. And I’m glad it has come early. It might just be the shakeup India needed,” Shastri said on The ICC Review. He added that the loss should prompt the team management to rethink strategy and combinations.
Shastri emphasised the importance of fielding an extra spinner in spin-friendly Indian conditions. He backed the return of vice-captain Axar Patel, who was left out in favour of Washington Sundar against the Proteas.
“They have to bring him back. You need that experience. I would say play both. Give yourself that extra option,” Shastri said, pointing out that relying on limited bowling options could prove costly if one bowler has an off day, as happened in the previous match.
He argued that with a strong batting lineup featuring Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Sundar, India can afford to bolster their bowling without weakening the batting depth.
Australia great Ricky Ponting echoed similar sentiments, stating that India may have missed a trick by omitting Axar. Ponting suggested selecting the best XI suited to Chennai’s conditions, even hinting at a recall for Kuldeep Yadav.
With another defeat potentially jeopardising semifinal hopes, India face a crucial test of character and tactical clarity.
