'Simply throwing the bat': Sunil Gavaskar tears into India after Super 8 collapse
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
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India suffered a humiliating 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a target of 187/7, India's batting unit crumbled under pressure, with only Shivam Dube providing a modest top score of 42. The hosts' inability to adapt to the conditions led to a one-sided contest, as South Africa's partnership between Dewald Brevis and David Miller steadied their innings and capitalized on India's inconsistent bowling.
The match was a disaster for India, who lost crucial wickets early in their innings. Ishan Kishan fell for a duck in the first over, setting the tone for a shaky performance. Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh all failed to contribute significantly, with the required run rate forcing them into desperate shots. In contrast, South Africa's bowlers, including Marco Jansen, tightened their lines and exploited India's lack of composure.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized the batting approach, highlighting how South Africa rebuilt their innings effectively despite an initial collapse. He emphasized the need for adaptability and a more strategic approach to match the conditions. Proteas great Shaun Pollock echoed this sentiment, noting that India's inability to adjust cost them dearly, especially against a team like South Africa that had prior experience on the same pitch.
The defeat has dealt a significant blow to
Verticals
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026