Blueprint for revival: How India can reignite their T20 World Cup campaign
Times of India
by HINDOL BASUFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India’s cricket team has faced significant challenges in their T20 World Cup campaign, as highlighted by their 76-run defeat to South Africa. The loss exposed several tactical weaknesses, including issues with player selection, execution, and strategic approaches. These problems have raised concerns about the team's ability to compete at the highest level and prompted calls for immediate corrections.
One of the most notable issues has been India’s reliance on a left-handed top order, which has made it easier for opposing bowlers like Aiden Markram and Salman Agha to exploit. To counter this, experts suggest breaking the cluster of three left-handers at the top by introducing a right-hander either in the opening slot or at No. 3. This change would force the opposition to rethink their match-up strategies and add much-needed balance to the batting lineup.
Another critical area for improvement is India’s powerplay approach. The team has struggled with clarity and intent during this phase, often allowing scoreboard pressure to build unnecessarily. Mindless slogging has not yielded rewards, and a more balanced approach—combining smart shot selection with better strike rotation—is essential to avoid dot-ball pressure and maximize scoring opportunities.
The absence of Axar Patel, the designated vice-captain, has also been felt. His ability to bowl defensive lines in the Powerplay and provide depth in the lower order would have added much-needed control and stability to the team’s performance against South Africa. Bringing him back could help address some of the issues faced by India’s middle overs and lower-order batting.
Finally, there is a pressing need to rethink Hardik Pandya’s role in the team. While he has been relied upon as a key player, his effectiveness in the death overs has often been questioned. To mitigate this, Hardik should focus on either operating with the new ball or as a middle-overs enforcer rather than being used in the high-pressure death overs. This adjustment could help prevent costly run leaks and allow Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah to excel in their specialized roles as death-overs specialists.
Overall, India’s campaign has highlighted the importance of tactical adjustments, player selection, and strategic execution. Addressing these issues will not only improve their chances in the T2
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026